Rising Texans cornerback named to 2024 All-Breakout Defensive team
Rising Texans cornerback named to 2024 All-Breakout Defensive team
The Houston Texans are on the rise as much as any team in the NFL heading into the 2024 season. A year and a half ago they were considered a bottom feeder, if not the actual worst team in the league. Fast-forward 18 months and they're one of the dark horse contenders in the AFC, representing a genuine threat to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens and other heavyweights around the conference.
One more reason to bullish about their future is the rise of third-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft class. Stingley has performed well when he's been on the field, but injuries have kept him from reaching his ceiling. As a rookie Stingley only appeared in nine games, followed by 11 games last year.
Despite the relative lack of playing time Stingley's game surged forward, going from one interception to five and five pass breakups to 13 last season. If he can stay on the field a full season Stingley may yet develop into one of the game's elite shutdown cornerbacks.
Vinnie Iyer at the Sporting News is expecting a breakout year, as he has named Stingley to his 2024 All-Breakout Defensive team:
"Stingley is now the key cover man in Houston with well-traveled veteran Steven Nelson opting to retire. At 6-0, 190 pounds, it's time for the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 draft to emerge as a dangerous shutdown type after putting up five interceptions in his second season. Improving the pass rush will Danielle Hunter will only put Stingley in better spots to produce off pressure."
The key to unlocking Stingley's full potential will definitely involve more opportunities created by consistent pressure, but if there's one part of the game where Stingley has to improve it's his run defense, where he's gotten poor grades from Pro Football Focus each of his first two years (43.4 and 59.5).
If head coach and defensive guru DeMeco Ryans can get Stingley more stout against the run there's no limit to what he can accomplish at this level.