The Houston Texans selected Will Anderson Jr. third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft with clear expectations.
He was meant to anchor the defense and potentially become the franchise cornerstone for years to come.
Through 35 career games, Anderson has already proven those projections accurate while establishing himself among the league’s elite edge rushers.
Anderson recently joined an exclusive company in Texans history, becoming just the third player to record 100 tackles in his first 35 games.
He sits at 104 tackles through 35 starts, trailing only J.J. Watt’s 154 and Mario Williams’ 118 during the same span.
Can't stop him. pic.twitter.com/riwb6cvBl5
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) October 23, 2025
The milestone reflects his consistency and ability to impact games beyond traditional pass-rushing statistics.
Through the early portion of the 2025 season, Anderson has compiled 22 tackles, seven tackles for loss, four sacks, seven quarterback hits, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a defensive touchdown.
At 24 years old, the edge rusher is displaying the kind of well-rounded production that separates elite defenders from good ones.
His ability to disrupt both running and passing attacks makes him a constant problem for opposing offenses.
Some analysts have begun comparing Anderson’s trajectory to Von Miller during his prime years.
Anderson’s blend of speed and strength suggests he could follow a similar path if he maintains his current development curve.
Anderson is building his legacy while following in the footsteps of Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year who set the standard for Houston’s defensive dominance.
Just three seasons into his career, Anderson is already appearing alongside Watt in franchise record conversations.
If his trajectory continues, those comparisons will only grow stronger as he cements his place among the Texans’ all-time greats.
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