Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. Makes Debut on NFL Top 100 Players List

After winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and being selected to the Pro Bowl following his first season, Anderson was even more dominant in 2024.

In 14 games, he registered 37 combined tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 11 sacks, nearly doubling his sack conversion rate from year one. Anderson was also a force to be reckoned with during the Texans playoffs run in January, recording five QB hits, two passes defended, and three and half sacks in two games.

“The best part about Will is that he understands his potential and wants to do everything possible to achieve it.” Texans great J.J. Watt said in June.

In 2023, the Texans traded a number of draft picks to the Arizona Cardinals in order to move up and select Anderson No. 3 overall - one pick after taking their franchise quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Judging by the impact he's already had on this Texans defense, Anderson is proving he was well worth it.

Sandwiched in-between Anderson on the Top 100 list were Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (No. 47) and San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (No. 45). Despite being named to the list for the first time in his young career, Anderson's defensive line coach Rod Wright believes his star pupil will use it as motivation to keep improving.

“He is going to hear 46 and say, ‘Oh they think there are 45 players better than me, alright,’” Wright told Big Sarge Media.