Houston Texans Named NFL's Most Productive 2023 Rookie Draft Class

Pro Football Focus ranked the Houston Texans as the most productive rookie NFL Draft class of 2023. Here's why:

Jan 13, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) at the line of / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans enjoyed a tremendous turnaround in 2023, going from 3-13-1 to 10-7, and winning both an AFC South title and a playoff game along the way.

In addition to a tremendous first season at the helm for head coach DeMeco Ryans, that success was also made possible in large part because of the Texans rookie class - a group that featured multiple major contributors from Week 1 and beyond, including quarterback C.J. Stroud, receiver Tank Dell, and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr.

And According to Pro Football Focus, the performance of those players has earned the Texans the title of 2023's most productive rookie class.

Jan 20, 2024; Baltimore, MD, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) drops throws a pass / Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

"Had the Texans drafted only C.J. Stroud, they would still probably lead this list," PFF wrote. "With Tank Dell and Will Anderson Jr. also enjoying good seasons, there is no doubt that they must be put first — and in their own tier — on this ranking."

So exactly how productive were the rookies?Throughout the season, they collectively logged 4,208 snaps.

Stroud stood out with an 80.2 passing grade, throwing for 4,770 yards and landing 26 'big-time throws' and touchdowns each while averaging 8.1 yards per attempt, nearly setting records for yards and touchdowns in a season, and winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Not far behind Stroud was Will Anderson Jr., who impressed with a 76.6 pass-rush grade and an outstanding pressure rate of 17.0% on his way to winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Dell also showcased his skills with a notable 2.32 yards per route run and an impressive 83.3 receiving grade.

Meanwhile, on the offensive line, Jarrett Patterson displayed mixed performance, earning a 53.7 pass-block grade and a 62.9 run-block grade. G Juice Scruggs contributed with a 48.9 pass-block grade and a 50.8 run-block grade, starting the majority of the season under center for Stroud.

With standout performances across the board, the Texans showcase unparalleled dominance and set a high standard for the upcoming draft classes of 2024.