Texans Cornerbacks Earn League-Wide Recognition in ESPN Rankings

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The Houston Texans' secondary continues to earn respect from around the NFL.

In ESPN's annual positional rankings, compiled from votes by more than 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts, Derek Stingley Jr. was voted the No. 2 cornerback in football. Meanwhile, Kamari Lassiter received an Honorable Mention, putting the second-year Texan just outside the league's top 10.

For Texans fans, the rankings are encouraging, but they also leave room for debate.

Many around Houston believe Stingley has done enough over the past two seasons to be considered the NFL's best cornerback, even ahead of former Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II. Stingley has developed into one of the league's premier playmakers, combining elite ball skills with outstanding instincts and versatility.

One veteran NFL offensive coach told ESPN that Stingley's ability to diagnose plays separates him from most defensive backs.

"His zone vision is outstanding. He can play man at a high level, but the way he sees the field and anticipates in zone is special."

The production supports the praise.

Since the start of the 2023 season, Stingley has recorded 14 interceptions, tied for the most among NFL cornerbacks during that span, while earning consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections. Last season, quarterbacks completed less than 47 percent of their passes when targeting him and posted a passer rating under 60.

Lassiter's inclusion was equally notable.

After just one NFL season, he was the first player listed among the honorable mentions, essentially placing him on the doorstep of the top 10. Several league evaluators praised his competitiveness, instincts and consistency, with one NFC defensive coach calling him "the best No. 2 corner in the league."

That's impressive company for a player entering only his second season.

It's also fair to wonder whether Lassiter will find himself inside the top 10 sooner rather than later. He quickly established himself as a reliable starter opposite Stingley and rarely looked like a rookie despite regularly facing quality receivers.

Whether you believe Stingley should have been No. 1 or Lassiter deserved a top-10 spot, the bigger takeaway remains the same.

The Texans have one of the NFL's best cornerback duos, and the rest of the league is taking notice.