A week after Joe Mixon reappeared on the NFL Top 100 Players list, Houston Texans’ standout Will Anderson Jr. marked his first-time entry at No. 46 on the 2025 rankings, an honor voted on by fellow players. This recognition reflects Anderson’s rapid rise and impressive performance in his third NFL season.
Dominant Defensive Performance Builds Anderson’s Reputation
Following his NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and Pro Bowl selection after his debut season, Anderson elevated his impact in 2024. In just 14 games, he tallied 37 combined tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks, nearly doubling his previous sack total. His contributions extended through the Texans’ playoff run in January, where he added five quarterback hits, two passes defended, and three and a half sacks across two games.
High Praise and Expectations from Coaches and Legends
Anderson’s dedication has earned respect within the Texans organization. Hall of Famer J.J. Watt praised him, stating,
“The best part about Will is that he understands his potential and wants to do everything possible to achieve it.”
Anderson was selected third overall by Houston in the 2023 draft, just one pick after the Texans chose quarterback C.J. Stroud, a move that is already paying dividends for the team’s defense.
Motivated to Climb Higher on the List
Anderson’s No. 46 spot situates him between some of the league’s top players, including Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill at No. 47 and 49ers tackle Trent Williams at No. 45. Rod Wright, Anderson’s defensive line coach, believes this ranking will fuel his determination. Wright commented,
“He is going to hear 46 and say, ‘Oh they think there are 45 players better than me, alright,’”
signaling the star player’s drive to keep improving.
Future Outlook for Anderson and the Texans Defense
Will Anderson Jr.’s surprising yet well-earned debut on the NFL Top 100 not only honors his past performances but also points to a promising future. As he continues to develop, Anderson is expected to become an even more dominant force, potentially climbing higher in next year’s rankings and cementing his role as a cornerstone of the Texans’ defense.