Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. has been named one of the top 25 players in the NFL for the 2026 season by ESPN. The ranking comes as the Texans boast a strong roster, particularly on defense, following offseason acquisitions.
Stingley, a two-time All-Pro, is projected to total 48 tackles, 15 pass breakups, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. ESPN’s D.J. Bien-Amie stated, “After earning back-to-back All-Pro selections, Stingley knows what is possible from an individual standpoint: a bust in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. So, don't expect him to relax now that he has had some high-level success.” Bien-Amie also noted that Stingley benefits from playing in a defensive system under coach DeMeco Ryans that “won't settle for less than perfection.” Stingley is the only NFL player with at least four interceptions in each of the past three seasons and is one of four players in Texans history with multiple first-team All-Pro selections, joining J.J. Watt, DeAndre Hopkins, and Andre Johnson.
Besides Stingley, four other Texans players made ESPN’s projected top 100 list: defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, cornerback Kamari Lassiter, and wide receiver Nico Collins. Anderson, recently named the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL, recorded 20 tackles for loss and 12 sacks last season. The Texans’ defense was further bolstered by the addition of Jadeveon Clowney. ESPN ranked Stingley as the second-highest cornerback on the list, behind Denver’s Patrick Surtain II. The Texans begin their season at home against the Buffalo Bills on September 13th.
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