Texans Secondary Underestimated By New PFF Ranking?

PFF lists the Houston Texans' secondary as the fifth-worst in the league. But is the position group underestimated?

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans will be motivated to prove their doubters wrong in 2023 in a number of categories. Among those?

 Pro Football Focus recently rated Houston's secondary corps at No. 28 overall during their latest evaluation of each position group.

"The Texans’ unit graded in the top half of the league last season and has added one of the better safeties in the NFL in Ward. Expect Stingley to be used more appropriately after he earned just a 49.1 PFF grade across 599 snaps as a rookie,” PFF wrote.

Despite the talent Houston believes it employs in the secondary, PFF's ranking reveals the perception of the Texans. 

But to Houston? Throughout the off-season workout programs, nearly every team scrimmage showcased a member of this defensive backfield flying around the ball and making stops.

Jalen Pitre and Derek Stingley Jr. appear to be on the cusp of taking significant leaps following impressive rookie campaigns. And general manager Nick Caserio added depth to the Texans' secondary with the additions of Jimmie Ward and Shaquill Griffin. 

Pitre is in line to take the mantle as the Texans' best player in the position group. The former Baylor prospect led the Texans in tackles with 147 and five interceptions as a rookie.

"We’ve got some young, starving guys right now," Griffin said. "These guys are hungry, and I love that because the type of energy they bring is so contagious, and that’s the type of secondary that you need to bring this defense along."

Houston's secondary is the latest position group Pro Football Focus ranked near the bottom of the league ahead of training camp. PFF listed the Texans' wide receiving corps in last place. Houston's linebacking unit came in at No. 26.

---

You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here

Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook

Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.

Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.