AND ONE SHOCKING OMISSION
6 Houston Texans crack NFL insider's list of Top 100 players
Jun 25, 2024, 1:02 pm
AND ONE SHOCKING OMISSION
Coming off a surprising playoff run with a rookie quarterback in 2023, expectations couldn't be higher for the Houston Texans heading into 2024.
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco recently put his 2024 NFL Top 100 players list together, which includes six Texans players. Here's how Prisco has them ranked, and his outlook for the season.
No. 99 Edge Rusher Will Anderson Jr.
Just squeezing in the Top 100 is the Defensive Rookie of the Year, Will Anderson. “He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year after getting seven sacks. But he was much more than those sack numbers and his talent shows a player who can take a big jump to 12-15 sacks this season,” said Prisco.
No. 80 Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
Next on the list is ballhawking corner Derek Stingley Jr. Prisco weighed in on Houston's standout defensive back. “After a disappointing 2022 rookie season, he flashed star potential last year for the Texans. He is a long corner who is capable of matching up in coverage with the game's best receivers.”
No. 77 Wide Receiver Nico Collins
This is where we see the first offensive player makes the list. Prisco shares his thoughts on Houston's top pass catcher. “After having 70 catches in his first two seasons, he had his breakout season in 2023 with 80 catches and a 16.2 yard-per-catch average. He is truly a big-play threat who should continue to grow with quarterback C.J. Stroud.”
No. 57 Left Tackle Laremy Tunsil
Prisco adds another offensive player to his list here. “He is one of the best in the league in pass protection, which is great news for C.J. Stroud. His ability to hold up in one-on-one situations is key to their offense,” said Prisco.
No. 38 Quarterback CJ Stroud
Can Stroud deliver an impressive sophomore season? “He was special as a rookie, leading the Texans to the playoffs. Now comes the hard part: Doing it again. I don't think that will be a problem because he has the look of being a star for a long time,” said Prisco.
No. 35 Danielle Hunter
The final player to make the list is the Texans' prized offseason addition. “He had 16 1/2 sacks for the Vikings last season, continuing to be a force off the edge. In Houston, he will team with Will Anderson Jr. to give the Texans a nice duo of pass rushers,” Prisco said.
One glaring omission is Texans superstar receiver Stefon Diggs. Diggs had a down year in 2023 based on his standards. But don't be surprised if Diggs makes this list next year after a bounce back season with Stroud pulling the trigger at QB. And he'll be highly motivated, with the possibility of another mega-contract in sight.
There’s been plenty of buzz about the Texans making moves during this year’s draft, and they didn’t waste any time proving it true.
Just hours before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off, Houston has pulled off a trade with the Cleveland Browns.
It’s starting early today 👀
Texans Trade:
🔴 2025 5th round pick (166 overall)
🔴 2027 5th round pick
Browns Trade:
🔴 2025 6th round pick (179 overall)
🔴 2025 6th round pick (216 overall)
🔴 2025 7th round pick (255 overall) pic.twitter.com/b7VeYpJUNt
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 24, 2025
Houston is sending a 2025 5th round pick and a 2027 5th round pick to Cleveland in exchange for two 2025 6th round picks and one 2025 7th round selection.
While it's no certainty, it sure seems the Texans are trying to acquire as much capital as possible in the 2025 Draft to help them maneuver up and down the board over the next three days.
Texans GM Nick Caserio has a reputation as a wheeler and dealer, and this year is clearly no exception.
Will the Texans use this capital to move up in the first round? We're about to find out!
Go Texans!