Houston Texans Pro Football Hall of Fame watch
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will induct the class of 2023 on Aug. 5. Here are players from the 2023 Texans who could join the immortals in Canton someday:
Fringe Hall of Famer
Laremy Tunsil, offensive tackle: It should come as little surprise that the Texans, who have one of the worst rosters in the NFL, have little in terms of players with legitimate Hall of Fame prospects. But among a sea of mediocrity, Tunsil is the one player who could have a case by the time he calls it a career.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Tunsil is the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL for a reason. The 28-year-old has allowed three or fewer sacks in six of his seven seasons, including surrendering just one over his last 22 games. Tunsil has never surrendered double-digit QB hits or more than five sacks in any season, and he hasn’t allowed more than 20 pressures since 2019.
If Tunsil plays for another five seasons (the average career of a Hall of Fame offensive tackle is approximately 10 to 12 years), he could have as many as six Pro Bowls, which would tie him for 23rd all-time among tackles. Tunsil is by no means a lock for the HOF, but he at least has a shot.
A young player who could develop into a Hall of Famer
Will Anderson, defensive end: Again, there are slim pickings for this category due to Houston’s young and inexperienced roster. However, of everyone who will suit up for the Texans this year, Anderson has as good a shot as any to have a HOF career.
Though he hasn’t even been through his first training camp, if Anderson is as good as the scouts project him to be, he could challenge J.J. Watt for the title of best defensive player in franchise history.
Anderson was one of just 14 players in the NCAA with 10 or more sacks in 2022. The 21-year-old edge rusher had 207 QB pressures in three seasons with the Crimson Tide, according to Pro Football Focus, and racked up 58.5 tackles for loss and 34.5 sacks over three years at Alabama.
Watt is the gold standard for Texans defenders, and if Anderson can come anywhere close to the 725 pressures, 371 hurries, 225 QB hits or 101 sacks that Watt had in his 10 seasons in Houston, Anderson could find himself wearing a gold jacket one day.
