Every offseason, it feels like fans continue to notice how underrated Danielle Hunter is in the grand scheme of the NFL among pass-rushers.
Make 2026 no different.
The Houston Texans pass-rusher appeared at No. 23 in the latest edition of the NFL's Top 100, which is voted on by players across the league. This is the second season Hunter has appeared on the list with the Texans and has continued his climb toward greatness, moving up two spots from No. 25.
"He's one of those guys that truly leaves no stone unturned," San Francisco 49ers All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams said. "It shows when he plays football."
Quietly as one of several players with over 100 career sacks, Hunter, who enters his 13th season, became a major reason as to why Houston's defense was lethal last fall. The Texans finished first in the league in yards allowed and second in points. Hunter was the catalyst of those moves, totaling 15 sacks, three passes defended, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery while appearing in all 17 games.
The five-time Pro Bowler secured his fourth straight season with double-digit sacks.
"He's really underrated in the run game too and doesn't get the credit for it," Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud said.
Hunter and projected NFL top 100 player Will Anderson Jr. make up arguably the one-two punch off the edge in the sport entering 2026. Add in their ability to play the run and Houston could have the most deadly front seven the league has seen since the 2000 Baltimore Ravens' defense.
"I don't think he gets enough recognition," Anderson said. "He's a Hall of Famer, so I'm excited to keep seeing him roll this year. It's been a joy to play beside him."
Hunter is now the fourth Texans player to be named to the top 100, joining linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (No. 92), wide receiver Nico Collins (No. 58) and cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (No. 25).
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans Pro Bowl DE Danielle Hunter appears at No. 23 in NFL's Top 100 list
