Will Anderson Jr. cried after the Houston Texans lost to the Baltimore Ravens in their AFC Divisional Round showdown. However, C.J. Stroud consoled him, saying they would be good for a long time. The Texans struck gold with these rookies, as the Pro Football Writers of America recognized their efforts.

Texans fans had modest expectations for Stroud and Anderson Jr. after being selected second and third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, they helped revive a franchise that won only 11 games from 2020 to 2022.

They helped the NFL's youngest franchise win its seventh AFC South division title with a 10-7 record. Stroud and Anderson Jr. were also instrumental in the team's Wild Card Round victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Unfortunately, their season ended with a defeat to top-seed Baltimore. But the rookie tandem did enough to win PFWA Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Stroud finished the regular season with 319 completions for 4,109 yards, 23 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He completed 63.9 percent of his throws and had three rushing touchdowns. He finished eighth in passing yards and third in average yards per completion (8.2) among quarterbacks who played at least 15 regular-season games.

The former Ohio State standout torched the Browns with 16 passes for 274 yards, three touchdowns, and zero picks, making him the youngest quarterback to win a playoff game.

Meanwhile, Anderson Jr. had 42 total tackles (10 for loss), seven sacks, a pass deflection, and a blocked kick in 14 games. He had a sack during their playoff game versus Cleveland.

Aside from these players, the Texans have built a young but talented core with Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Dalton Schultz, Jonathan Greenard, Jalen Pitre, and Derek Stingley Jr. With playoff experience already in the books, they look like a legitimate contender for years to come.

-Lance Fernandez