NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense this season?
By Jakob Ashlin
25. Houston Texans
- Notable additions: EDGE Will Anderson Jr., DT Sheldon Rankins, S Jimmie Ward
- Notable losses: EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo
- 2022 scoring defense: 27th
- 2022 yards defense: 30th
The Texans made a bold move on draft night, as they traded the 12th overall pick, 33rd overall pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2024 third-round pick in exchange for Will Anderson Jr. and the 105th overall pick.
Anderson is one of the most exciting edge rusher prospects in recent memory. At Alabama, he racked up 207 career pressures (the most ever in the PFF era).
https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1621601164457545729?s=20
Anderson should be a day-one impact player for the organization.
The Texans have some young talent in the secondary led by safety Jalen Pitre and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. Pitre made NFL history last season, becoming the first rookie ever to record 147 combined total tackles and five interceptions in a single season. Stingley was the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and at 21 years old, he still has plenty of upside.
The Texans also have some good veterans in edge rusher Jerry Hughes and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Last season, Hughes recorded nine sacks, while Rankins posted a PFF grade of 73.1.
This defense has a lot of tools to be successful. They should take a step forward this season, but they are likely still a couple of years away from being an elite group.