Derek Stingley Jr. is a two-time All-Pro cornerback for the Houston Texans and arguably the best man-coverage cornerback in the NFL for 2026.
Even in what many considered to be a “down year” for the former No. 3 overall pick out of LSU, Stingely still put up prolific numbers as the shutdown defensive back in coverage as Houston secured its first 12-win season since 2012.
So, where does Stingley rank among the best cornerbacks for the 2026 NFL season?
Every year, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reaches out to team executives, general managers, scouts and personnel members to find the top 10 players at every position. For cornerbacks, former Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II earned the top cornerback spot following another stellar campaign with the Denver Broncos.
As for No. 2? Abliet a race between several candidates, Stingley received the most votes for the silver spot.
“Stingley received several first-place votes thanks to his elite ball production and instincts. No NFL cornerback has more interceptions since 2023 than Stingley (14), trailing only Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (16) overall,” Fowler wrote. “He’s a constant disruptor with 46 passes defended during that span, and he has made consecutive All-Pro teams.”
Last season, Stingley allowed 23 catches for under 200 yards and three touchdowns. The reality is that was a dip compared to his 2024 breakout season that initially made him the then-highest-paid cornerback in the league.
“His zone vision is outstanding,” a veteran NFL offensive coach said. “He can play man at a high level, but the way he sees the field and anticipates in zone is special.”
Over the past three seasons with head coach DeMeco Ryans, Stingley has kept quarterbacks at bay while throwing in his line of sight, allowing a 46.9% completion rate on 64 targets for a passer rating of 59.6. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he allowed five catches for 57 yards on 19 targets between Weeks 8-13.
“Elite feet and back-to-the-ball instincts,” a veteran NFC coach said. “If you throw a 50-50 ball, he’s probably going to come up with it. And the quarterback will choose to throw some of those because the pass rush is so good.”
Stingley did receive several first-place votes, making him the only other cornerback to compete for the gold. With another strong season under his belt, the former LSU No. 1 defensive back could reclaim the top spot, proving that the “No Fly Zone” defense actually runs through H-Town.
The Texans return to Reliant Stadium for the start of training camp on July 21.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: NFL coaches, execs name Texans All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. a top-3 CB for 2026 season
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
