The Houston Texans feature the league’s best defense. The reason why is simple: The unit fields playmakers at all three levels, though everything starts up front with ends Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
To be fair, Derek Stingley Jr. could have easily been added as the second part of a tandem that featured either of the Texans’ edge-rushers. He is an outstanding cover corner and ranked as the second-best at the position, according to the B/R Scouting Department.
In this case, Anderson and Hunter get the nod because they work so well in tandem.
Anderson is the ascending superstar. He’s 24 years old. He’s already been the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, a first-team All-Pro and a two-time Pro Bowler. He worked with Myles Garrett this offseason after setting a new career high with 12 sacks last season.
Last year, Anderson led all defenders in overall grade, pass-rush win rate and pressure rate, according to Pro Football Focus. The 2023 third overall pick could very well be the league’s best defensive player in a few years time.
Conversely, Hunter is the veteran hand, who can still do everything at a high level. The 31-year-old defensive end has registered 12 or more sacks in three straight seasons.
“If an underrated elite pass-rusher exists, since it’s considered a premium position, Danielle Hunter fits the mold,” B/R scout Matt Holder wrote. “He may not be discussed in the same category as Garrett, but Hunter is easily one of the league’s best at getting to the quarterback. He wins every way imaginable, whether it’s going through an offensive tackle’s chest, around the edge with speed or across the tackle’s face.
“Against the run, the 10-year veteran’s strength at the point of attack really shines. He can set the edge and shed blocks against offensive linemen to make tackles near the line of scrimmage.”
Anderson and Hunter are the league’s best pair of edge-defenders. However, they won’t be the league’s best set of defenders this fall.