As Will Anderson Jr. blossomed from a standout first-round pick into the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year, he always knew he’d have the guidance of veteran Jonathan Greenard.
That won’t be the case in 2024 as the Houston Texans look to build off their AFC South division title success, but the second-year defensive end will still be learning under a premier vet.
While Greenard inked a four-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings, the Texans turned to Minnesota for his replacement, agreeing to terms with Pro Bowl defensive end and Houston native Danielle Hunter on a two-year deal.
Anderson, who last season broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record en route to earning a Pro Bowl nod, has come away impressed with the surplus of knowledge Hunter brings to the defensive front.
STUDENT OF THE GAME
WAJ on watching last years tape:
“What are you even thinking, what are you doing right here”
Still plenty to improve upon 🎥 @RichEisenShow pic.twitter.com/mBCwnv6PVs
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) July 1, 2024
“He is unreal — he has been so supportive already,” Anderson said last week on The Rich Eisen Show. “He is so smart. He knows a lot about the game and pass rush. He is very talented. His character speaks for itself. He is always willing to help the young guys. He has been teaching us so much stuff since he has been there. I am excited to play alongside him.”
A former third-round pick out of LSU, Hunter zeroed in on Houston as his next destination early in free agency. Growing up at Katy and playing at Morton Ranch High School, the former Vikings star said he wanted to play in front of his family and friends.
The Texans aren’t expecting a drop-off from Hunter after a record-setting season in Minneapolis. Last season, the former All-Pro led the league with 23.5 tackles for losses and finished top-five in sacks with 16.5.
Anderson and Greenard were a promising duo en route to a 10-7 finish last season, totaling 19.5 combined sacks and 25 tackles for loss. As a unit, the Texans posted a franchise-best 46 sacks with the help of Jerry Hughes, Derek Barnett and a potent interior pass rush with Sheldon Rankins.
Houston plans on building off that even though Rankins, Hughes and Greenard are gone. On top of adding Greenard, the Texans signed veteran lineman Denico Autry to a two-year deal to play multiple spots. Last season, he totaled 11 sacks in his final year with the Titans.
Hunter, who’s racked up 87.5 sacks in nine seasons, knows how to pressure offensive tackles to get them off-balanced. Anderson, who could reach Hunter’s level of pass-rushing by the end of his sophomore season, is ready to stop talking about the season and actually play it.
“It’s going to be fun,” Anderson said. “I think we will be able to cause a lot of havoc. I am excited to go to war with him.”
Houston returns to NRG Stadium for the start of training camp on July 18.
