How the Texans built one of the best defenses in the NFL - ESPN

HOUSTON — During Will Anderson Jr.'s visit with the Houston Texans ahead of the 2023 draft, defensive coordinator Matt Burke thought the visit was a waste of time.

But in a good way.

«I'm sitting here with the overwhelming feeling like, what are we doing,» Burke told ESPN. «I mean every question was just spot-on. When he left for the day, he just confirmed everything I already thought.»

Coach DeMeco Ryans felt the same way, and he knew his defense needed help on the edge to thrive. After six years with the San Francisco 49ers prior to coming to Houston to take over as coach in 2023, he saw how vital defensive end Nick Bosa was to unlocking a unit that ranked No. 1 in total defense in 2022 and 2019.

So Ryans wanted to bring that foundation, and he knew it started with Anderson. Houston had the No. 2 pick, but it was also in need of a franchise quarterback. General manager Nick Caserio and Ryans found a way to get quarterback C.J. Stroud and Anderson — trading up to No. 3 after taking Stroud at No. 2 — and both have become cornerstone players.

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«I knew we had to get a dynamic edge point,» Ryans told ESPN. «That's why it was so important to get Will Anderson. If you want to play coverage how we play, you have to be able to speed the quarterback up. You speed it up with the rusher.»

Fast-forward to the 2025 season, and the pass rush is part of the reason the Texans are allowing a league low in points (16.6) and yards (272.3).

Through the draft, the Texans also brought in cornerbacks Kamari Lassiter