Texans' Will Anderson Jr. Wins Defensive Rookie of the Year

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. capped off his first season by taking home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

The Houston Texans took a significant risk during the 2023 NFL Draft. They sent a haul of draft picks to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 3 pick, which landed them Will Anderson Jr.

The former Alabama prospect has established himself as a prominent cornerstone. During Thursday's 2024 NFL Honors, Anderson won Defensive Rookie of the Year. Anderson became the third player in league history to win the prestigious honor, joining DeMeco Ryans (2006) and Brian Cushing (2009).

Anderson won the award over Jalen Carter (Philadelphia Eagles), Joey Porter Jr., (Pittsburgh Steelers), Kobie Turner (Los Angeles Rams) and Devon Witherspoon (Seattle Seahawks).

Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) and safety Jalen Pitre (5) react after a play during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at NRG Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"His mentality – not only does it match up with his talent, but it probably [exceeds] his talent," quarterback C.J. Stroud said. "The tenacious will to win – the grit that he brings to the locker room, and just his personality. His talent is great, don’t get me wrong, but at the same time, if you can match that with what he has, it’s a force to be reckoned with."

Winning Defensive Rookie of the Year has capped off an impressive first year for Anderson, who also received his first Pro Bowl selection at the end of the 2023 season.

Anderson notched 45 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 67 pressures, 7.0 sacks, one pass deflection and one blocked field goal across 15 games. His 7.0 sacks set a new rookie franchise record for most sacks in a single season. He also led all rookies in pressures.

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Anderson had several memorable performances throughout the 2023 season. However, his best may have come during the Texans' Week 13 victory against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 3.

He recorded five tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, four quarterback hits, two tackles for loss and one pass deflection, which led to an interception for cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. inside NRG Stadium.