Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. not satisfied with rookie campaign, anticipating 'causing havoc' in new-look pass rush

Will Anderson Jr.‘s first year lived up to the lofty expectations cast upon him by his No. 3 overall draft selection, as the Houston Texans defensive end earned a Pro Bowl nod and the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award for the 2023 season.

While most would be content with that debut performance, Anderson refuses to rest on his laurels.

In an interview with NFL.com on Friday, Anderson said that even just a few months after his rookie year, he already identifies areas for improvement in his play. He joked that he cringes when watching some of his early performances.

“Yes, reflecting on it, I ask myself, ‘Dude, what was your strategy? What prompted you to do that, like what was going through your mind?’ Honestly, it’s difficult for me to watch this,” he expressed. “But my main focus has really been improving my pass rush, persistently practicing half-a-man drills, honing my edge work, striving for extension at the peak of my rush, and executing with precision on the quarterback. These are the key aspects I’ve been concentrating on and developing this offseason.”

Anderson has set his sights on achieving double-digit sacks in 2024, while also aiming to further establish himself as a reliable defensive player. To achieve these goals, he is dedicating his offseason efforts to enhancing his physical strength and honing his technique for the forthcoming season.

As part of this work, Anderson reached out to veterans at his position, including Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Having worked out with Garrett earlier this year, Anderson said the reigning Defensive Player of the Year taught him strategies to maximize his power, as well as some of the more subtle aspects of perfecting their position.

Anderson said, “I recently acquired knowledge on body care, the appropriate workouts for my position, and minor things like specific moves to do. However, I was also able to observe his work ethic, his relentlessness, and his approach to workouts.”

In addition, Anderson has also had the opportunity to work alongside his new teammate Danielle Hunter, who came over to Houston this offseason after earning four Pro Bowl selections in eight years in Minnesota.

While the Texans added a number of veteran defensive linemen this offseason, Hunter specifically has been someone Anderson was eager to learn from and work with, noting that he was “jumping up and down” in excitement at the news of Hunter’s signing.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans said earlier this week that even with only a few weeks of workouts, he can see an instant “connection” between the edge rushers, and Anderson reiterated the sentiment, adding that his hope is the pairing can lead a dangerous pass-rush unit in 2024.

Anderson shared, “The coach played a clip of Danielle and me converging at the quarterback and then hugging in celebration as we sprinted down the field. That’s the image everyone in the room has in mind. We are all competing to be the first one to reach the quarterback. It’s about us all playing as one, with a single heartbeat.”

In that room, not a single person is selfish; we’re all prepared to go out and do our work. My vision is simply this- all of us gathered, eating, creating chaos.

While Anderson is utilizing his accessible resources to get ready for the forthcoming season, he is also spending time off-field educating others on preparing for the upcoming hurricane season.

Anderson has collaborated with USAA, the NFL’s official Salute to Service partner, and the Harris County Office of Emergency Management to increase hurricane preparation awareness, particularly in the Houston area.

“June signifies the start of the hurricane season, with Texas being among the top 10 states most vulnerable to hurricanes,” stated Anderson. “We aim to increase our community’s awareness about the necessity of preparation, planning, and recovery in the event of a hurricane. Ensure that you have sufficient insurance coverage and emergency supplies like first-aid kits and flashlights handy. Houston’s weather can change unexpectedly, as seen this week, and it’s crucial to stay prepared. Don’t forget your pets; have a solid plan in place for them too. These are just a few ways to stay one step ahead.”