Danielle Hunter Ranked No. 25 in NFL Top 100: Texans Edge Earns Elite Recognition

5 days ago
2 min read

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The NFL Top 100 countdown has entered its top tier, and Houston Texans pass rusher Danielle Hunter landed at No. 25. After his first season in Houston, Hunter has quickly become one of the most respected defenders in football, combining veteran consistency with elite production.

Hunter’s 2024 Season With Houston

In his debut year with the Texans, Hunter posted:

46 tackles
15 assists
12 sacks

But the traditional box score only tells part of the story. According to data shared by @texansjacob from Next Gen Stats, Hunter was one of the most disruptive forces in the league:

90 pressures (2nd in NFL)
19.1% QB pressure rate (T-1st)
12 sacks (T-3rd)
33 quick pressures (3rd)
4 turnovers caused by pressures (1st)

That blend of pressure volume, efficiency, and game-changing plays highlights why his peers voted him into the top 25.

Teammates and Peers on Hunter

Hunter’s impact is obvious to anyone who lines up against him — or alongside him. His Texans teammates and opponents alike have praised his unique skillset:

Nico Collins, Texans WR: “Game wrecker. Can’t nobody block him coming off the edge.”
Will Anderson Jr., Texans EDGE: “Bro… freak athlete.”
Dawson Knox, Bills TE: “It’s hard to block a guy with those size arms, you gotta bring everything with you when you try blocking him.”
Micah Parsons, Cowboys EDGE: “He’s unlimited. He has every move.”
Calen Bullock, Texans safety: “He’s so gifted, can’t teach that. Danielle Hunter, he’s the best at what he do.”

Texans Well-Represented in NFL Top 100

Hunter becomes the fitfh Texan named so far in the 2025 Top 100:

Joe Mixon – No. 58
Will Anderson Jr. – No. 46
C.J. Stroud – No. 39
Nico Collins - No. 32
Danielle Hunter – No. 25

With Derek Stingley Jr. widely expected to be announced soon, the Texans are set to place six players in this year’s rankings — a statement about the team’s rise as one of the NFL’s most talented young rosters.

A Perfect Fit for Houston’s Defense

Hunter’s combination of length, quickness, and veteran savvy makes him one of the NFL’s toughest assignments. Beyond his stats, his presence elevates the Texans’ entire front, forming a feared tandem with Anderson Jr. and setting the tone for DeMeco Ryans’ defense.

As peers across the league have made clear, Danielle Hunter is more than just productive — he’s a true game wrecker. And at No. 25, the NFL Top 100 reflects exactly that.