The Texans possessed two top-15 draft picks in 2022 and were in need of some young talents to build around. Both athletes have much to prove.
Guard Kenyon Green (third round) and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (fifth overall) both received depressing evaluations from Pro Football Focus. Of the 116 qualified cornerbacks, Stingley came in at number 111, while Green came in at number 77. That’s not a terrific place to start, even if you take into consideration rookie problems and any doubt regarding PFF’s grades. Stingley had some promising flashes and didn’t allow a touchdown during the entire season, but he also gave up a lot of yards, went on injured reserve after only nine games, and will forever be contrasted to Sauce Gardner, the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, whom the Texans passed up in favor of Stingley. Green failed to stand out as a run blocker, allowed too many quarterback pressures (47 according to PFF’s calculation, fourth-most among guards), and spent a few games in the guard rotation in the second half of the season. The Texans need both guys to play significantly better in their second seasons even though their careers are only getting started.
The trade that netted the Texans Anderson, an outstanding pass rusher from Alabama, has received a lot of attention and will continue to do so. Houston paid a hefty price in the trade, but if Anderson turns out to be the player the Texans plainly believe he can be, it won’t matter.
Anderson was a dominant player for the Crimson Tide and will soon switch from a stand-up outside linebacker to a 4-3 defensive end in DeMeco Ryans’ defense. He won the nation’s top defensive player award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, for two consecutive seasons. The Texans are betting he’ll be an exceptional pass rusher despite some draft experts having doubts about his genuine potential as a professional. The future of the Texans depends on Anderson’s success.
I’ve been following Will for a while and have seen a number of his games, but just seeing him again brought back to mind what a fierce competitor he is, said Ryans. When Alabama needed to make a defensive play, it was always play 31. That was the person making a play and stepping forward. Everyone is aware of Will’s leadership abilities.
Online sportsbooks currently have the Texans tied in last place at +15000 odds to win Super Bowl 58.
The ideal situation
For the Texans, there are encouraging indicators. It’s possible that some young building blocks, such as C.J. Stroud, Dameon Pierce, Nico Collins, John Metchie III (whose recovery from acute promyelocytic leukemia will be one of the best stories of this season), Will Anderson Jr., and Derek Stingley Jr., will have successful seasons and the Texans move past being one of the worst teams in the NFL. DeMeco Ryans was a wise acquisition. A few intriguing components are in place. Perhaps this season will mark the beginning of the progress.
Will Anderson Jr. may turn out to be the next Von Miller, and the Texans’ pricey deal for him may result in some victories. What about the scenario where Anderson looks unimpressive, the Texans are once again awful, and Houston is selected first overall in 2024? The Cardinals will either trade that pick for a group of picks that might transform their franchise or spend it on a quality quarterback like Caleb Williams. If the Texans have the poorest record in the NFL and see someone else use their first overall pick to change their fortunes, that’s not good.
According to the crystal ball, the Texans need to get better. Houston should feel better about its trajectory by the conclusion of the season, even though it might not result in a significant increase in victories. C.J. Stroud was a wise choice, and he ought to establish himself as a capable quarterback in the future. A good head coach will be DeMeco Ryans. Although the Texans’ record won’t be stellar, there will be reason for hope for the future. They had a productive season.
