In just his third NFL season, DE Will Anderson Jr.'s performances have earned him a deserved Defensive Player of the Year nomination. The numbers back up what fans see on the field. A former No. 3 overall draft pick, Anderson Jr. finished the 2025 season with 12 sacks and 85 quarterback pressures (second-most in the NFL according to Next Gen Stats).
His 20 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and fumble returned for a touchdown bolster an already-strong resume. Pro Football Focus graded him at 92.3 overall—second among all edge defenders—with a 91.6 pass rush grade that ranks fourth at his position.
Anderson Jr. and Myles Garrett traded the top pass run win rate back and forth all season, both hovering around 27%. Along with second-team All-Pro DE Danielle Hunter, Anderson Jr. combined for 153 pressures this season—the most by any duo in the NFL. The Texans finished the regular season 12-5, riding a nine-game winning streak and ranking in the top five in yards allowed, sacks, and opposing quarterback rating.
With 30 career sacks to his name at just 24 years old, Will Anderson Jr. is a worthy DPOY candidate—and he's staking his claim as one of the most dominant defenders in the game.
