Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Stroud has massive praise for fellow Texans rookie Will Anderson Jr.

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated 1/22/24

Quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. put the Houston Texans on the map this season.

Taken No. 2 and No. 3 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, respectively, the two proved to be exceptional building blocks for a young Texans team that went 10-7, won the AFC South and beat the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Wild Card, 45-14.

It was a statement season, not to be overshadowed by the Texans' 34-10 loss to the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. It was a loss that Anderson was rightly emotional over after the game, but Stroud had several words of encouragement for his fellow top five overall pick.

CJ Stroud on what he said to Will Anderson Jr. after the Texans loss to the Ravens: pic.twitter.com/NrEqm5qR41
— James Roy (@n1texansfan) January 22, 2024

"We're going to be back in this moment" is a powerful statement in its own right, but so was Stroud telling Anderon Jr. that he's one of the most talented players he's ever been around.

Stroud played three seasons at Ohio State, mind you, so he's certainly seen a ton of great players.

In Anderson's case, the praise is warranted, though...especially considering how he's expected to be the cornerstone of this young Houston defense moving forward.

He set a franchise record for sacks from a rookie with seven. For comparison's sake, Whitney Mercilus had six in 2012 and J.J. Watt notched 5.5 as a rookie for the Texans in 2011.

Watt had 20.5 in his sophomore season with Houston. Anderson may not reach those heights, but he's well on his way after a tremendous rookie season.

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