Anderson established himself as an elite edge defender in year one, taking home 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. His 16.4 percent pass-rush win rate and 16.2 percent quarterback pressure rate rank top 12 positionally (min. 420 pass-rushing snaps) and he led the Texans run defense with 12 tackles for loss or no gain. The weight gain should make it more difficult for blockers to displace him and the Texans notably lost two of their top three run-defense tacklers in free agency. Anderson’s transformation a positive offseason development in this regard.

The Texans traded up for the No. 3 pick in this year’s draft after taking C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick. Now, just as we saw in 2022 with the Jets, the Texans have players who will be taking home both OROY and DROY honors. Anderson narrowly beat out Eagles rookie Jalen Carter for the award, but the Alabama product was every bit deserving of the honor. After spending three seasons as one of the best pass rushers in the nation, Anderson turned in seven sacks in his rookie campaign and was also credited with 45 tackles and 10 TFLs. A massive second-year leap could be in store for Anderson, who should string together multiple double-digit sack seasons in the very near future.

The sensational rookie was utilized in his typical role for the Wild Card Round and seems to have avoided setbacks. He’s probably not particularly close to 100 percent healthy, but the Texans are going to need a big play or two from the No. 3 overall pick to have a legitimate shot at springing the Ravens upset.

Anderson and Jonathan Greenard (ankle) joined Jerry Hughes (ankle) as Texans pass-rushers sitting out on Wednesday. Anderson and Greenard both played in the Wild Card round and were listed as limited participants on Tuesday. However, both were downgraded to DNP status on Wednesday with ankle injuries that continue to ail the Texans’ pass rush. If Anderson and Greenard practice later in the week, they will likely play Saturday against the Ravens in the Divisional Round, while Hughes is more of a question mark, having missed the Wild Card win.