Do the Houston Texans have the league’s best pass-rushing duo entering 2025? Executives around the NFL certainly think the combo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter makes a strong case for top status after putting up Pro Bowl numbers last fall.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently surveyed more than 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts to figure out who are top 10 pass rushers heading into the new season. Anderson, who finished with 11 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, came in a No. 9 while Hunter, who finished with 12 sacks, finished one spot below him at No. 9.

“He’s got a complete skill set,” an AFC executive said of Anderson. “And he’s only getting better. Only two years in the league. Will keep improving.”

After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, Anderson finished top 10 in sacks and pass rush win rate (21.3%, seventh, minimum 200 rushing attempts). The 6-foot-5 edge rusher’s ability to finish also improved, as he converted 19.0% of his total pressures (58) into sacks, per Pro Football Focus

“What I like about him is he doesn’t have a lot of glaring weaknesses,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “He can rush, set a hard edge and play the run.”

Hunter, who joined the Texans after spending nine seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, didn’t miss a beat playing for DeMeco Ryans. Arguably Houston’s best pass-rusher, Hunter finished with more sacks, more pressures, and a better pass rush win rate (26.4%), which led all NFL edge rushers in 2024.

“That’s why they call him ‘Cyborg,'” an AFC executive said. “He’s always been an incredible athlete, and he’s learned to expand his pass-rush ability and can win in a variety of ways.”

Hunter’s ability to put pressure on a passer led to more than just sacks. According to ESPN’s Stats and Info, Hunter’s four pass-rush interceptions created were tied for first.

“He can get a few more double-digit sack seasons,” the executive said. “He has the body type that will age well.”

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans’ star duo rack top-10 edge rusher list by NFL execs and coaches