The 2023 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Anderson is coming off a second Pro Bowl campaign and first All-Pro selection. His 2025 season was all kinds of tremendous as he earned AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year runner-up honors after tallying a career-best 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 35 tackles, 20 for loss and 23 QB hits.
Anderson has been joined by veteran Danielle Hunter to form what is considered one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Anderson sees Hoston’s roster as one that boasts elite talent throughout.
“I look at this team and we have Super Bowl-caliber players all over the field,” he said. “It’s just about taking the next step.”
The next step will have to be taken in the winter, but starting in the spring, the steps that can be taken are being taken, according to Anderson.
“I’ve thought since the four years I’ve been here, these have been the best OTAs we’ve had, both offensively and defensively,” he said. “Everyone is locked in, I love the rookie class we got.
Houston opened the draft by taking guard Keylan Rutledge to bolster an offensive line that has been anathema to the team in recent seasons. In the second round, Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald came to add more talent to a defense that ranked sixth in total defense last season.
“We want to be a critical defense,” Anderson said. “We want to be a name defense. We want to be one of the best defenses to be out there. But I think it starts at this time.”
If it ends in February with a Super Bowl celebration, Anderson and the Texans will very likely become a household name.