The Houston Texans are a team that has a bright immediate and long-term future, and it isn’t only because of the immense talent they have offensively.
C.J. Stroud is one of the NFL’s best and brightest young quarterbacks, and the Texans have a nice trio of wide receivers in Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell, as well as a solid running back in Joe Mixon.
But their defense is also very promising, and one reason why is defensive end Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson was last season’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, and in 2024, he posted 11.0 sacks, 19 quarterback hits and 16 tackles for loss, and he is a load for opposing teams to deal with.
But he isn’t invincible, and he admitted that offensive tackle Zach Tom of the Green Bay Packers is the best offensive tackle he has faced since coming to the pros.
Star: Will Anderson Jr. speaks on the best offensive lineman he’s faced in the NFL:
“Green Bay [Packers] Zach Tom.”
The most underrated tackle in the NFL.
(h/t @bykevinclark)pic.twitter.com/XhSxlUQFcH
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 14, 2025
Tom is part of a Packers squad that is young and promising in its own right, and he was Pro Football Focus’ fourth-highest graded tackle this season while ranking third in run-blocking grade.
He allowed just three sacks in 2024 and helped make life easier for young and promising quarterback Jordan Love, whom many feel has star potential.
Anderson got to team up with veteran defensive end Danielle Hunter, a five-time Pro Bowler, this season, and behind him, he has help in the form of cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who was named to both the Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team this season.
It may only be a matter of time before the Texans are legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and perhaps that day will come as soon as this fall and winter.
