Top under-25 stars list inclusion
Anderson earned a spot on CBS Sports’ ranking of the top 25 players aged 25 and under, finishing sixth—the highest placement among all defensive players on the list. The only other defensive player in the top ten was Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon, who ranked tenth. Analysts highlighted Anderson as a central driver of the Texans’ success in 2025. The team’s defense posted strong metrics that season, including a franchise-low 17.4 points allowed per game and leading the league with 277.2 yards allowed per game. Anderson’s performance on rushing the passer stood out, recording the league’s highest pressure rate at 21% and reaching 50 pressures on third downs, the most ever in a single season. He also achieved career highs with 12 sacks, 20 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback hits, contributing to the record-setting extension.
A potent pairing with Danielle Hunter
Alongside Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter has been a disruptive force on the edge. Hunter led the Texans in sacks in 2025, marking his second straight season leading the team in that category. The combination of Anderson and Hunter has drawn attention as one of the league’s top dynamic duos, with analysts noting that few teams can roster two of the top five players at the same position and produce elite production from both. Their combined impact helped power the Texans to a top-tier defense, particularly against the pass, as opposing quarterbacks faced a challenging drop in passer ratings.
Looking ahead to their dynamic duo’s potential
Carter Bahns of CBS Sports described Anderson and Hunter as a rare, high-caliber pairing. He noted that while there may be more talented individual edge rushers in the league, the production from Anderson and Hunter places them in an elite tier. The Texans finished the previous season among the top-two defenses by scoring and yardage, and both edge players were central to that success. With the defense expected to benefit from improvements in run-stopping, the front frequently forces more passing downs, amplifying their pass-rushing opportunities. The Texans have extended Anderson and Hunter through at least the 2027 season, providing a stable, high-pressure edge presence for the near future.
Potential concerns and depth considerations
Despite the star power at the edge, analysts have pointed to potential depth concerns behind the duo. ESPN’s Mike Clay identified edge rushing as the Texans’ biggest strength heading into 2026 but acknowledged that depth behind Anderson and Hunter is largely unproven. While Hunter remains a dominant force, the Texans would face a challenge if either starter were sidelined, given the limited proven depth at the position. To bolster the unit, the team has added veterans and introduced a mix of promising young players, including Ali Gaye, Dominique Robinson, Logan Hall, Sabastian Harsh, Dylan Horton, and Solomon Byrd, who are positioned to contribute behind the starting duo.
Overall assessment
The Texans have built a formidable edge duo in Anderson and Hunter, anchored by a historic contract for Anderson. Their presence has contributed to a top-tier defense and a resurgence in the team’s defensive identity. While depth at the position will merit monitoring, the combination of high-end production and a continued supporting cast positions the Texans to sustain a disruptive pass rush in the coming seasons. As Will Anderson continues to develop and refine his craft, expectations remain high for his ongoing impact and leadership on defense.
