The Texans' leap from the bottom of the AFC South in 2022 to the top of the division in 2023 was thanks to their successful draft picks. Quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson, selected in the first round, both turned out to be exceptional rookies. Anderson was named the defensive rookie of the year at the NFL Honors show, while Stroud was named the offensive rookie of the year.
The Texans join the Jets as the only other team to sweep the rookie awards in consecutive seasons. Anderson had an impressive season with 45 tackles, seven sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 22 quarterback hits in 15 games.