Derek Stingley Jr., Texans Secondary Projected for 'Breakout' Year?

The Houston Texans need a unit to step up defensively, and that's where Stingley and the secondary come in, per NFL.com.

The Houston Texans had few bright spots in 2022, but the secondary certainly exceeded expectations. PFF even graded the unit in the top half of the league, thanks mostly to Jalen Pitre's surprising rookie campaign.

And NFL.com predicts this trend of secondary success will continue, rating the group as the best unit on the team.

"It feels like the secondary is going to end up being the best part of the Texans' defense this year. Whether that prediction comes true will fall to some extent on 2022 second-round safety Jalen Pitre, who filled up the stat sheet in Year 1 despite missing too many tackles," NFL.com wrote.

But it takes more than just the young Pitre to lead the way. The outlet says Derek Stingley Jr. will be the team's breakout star this season, making the secondary dangerous for opposing quarterbacks. 

"I think the unit's rise will be driven largely by Stingley, the third overall pick last year, whose rookie season was cut short by a hamstring injury," NFL.com continued. 

And Stingley saying he sees the whole field faster "is good, because when someone comes in with that kind of draft pedigree, he is expected to become a franchise player."

Stingley was drafted No. 3 overall out of LSU but logged just 43 tackles, one sack and an interception for nine yards from the corner position in nine games due to his aforementioned injury. 

Thought Stingley was a monster in college, leading the Tigers to a 2019 national title and earning All-American honors. If he can stay healthy moving forward, he could be Houston's future.

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