Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. 'Going After It' In Training Camp

Five days into training camp, Houston Texans second-year cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. is showing potential for a breakout season.

HOUSTON — Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. isn't oblivious to the comparisons between him and New York Jets' All-Pro cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner. But Stingley's top focus is helping his team bounce back from an appalling campaign in 2023. 

"He is having fun up there, and I am having fun and doing my thing down here," Stingley said. "It was a great season for him. It was a great season for a lot of other rookie corners. Everybody is having fun and doing their thing."

The Texans drafted Stingley one spot ahead of Gardner during the 2022 NFL Draft. Stingley's first season had its peaks and valleys, but unfortunately, he did not have too many chances to showcase his talent as a lockdown corner.

Gardner's play as a rookie may have left doubts about Stingley's selection. But Day 5 of training camp at the Houston Methodist Training Center showed exactly why Stingley was the most sought-after cornerback coming out of college.

Stingley recorded his first interception of camp following a pass attempt from quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was targeting Nico Collins during 11-on-11. Stingley not only showcased his attribute as a ball-hawk, but the 22-year-old defensive back also demonstrated his speed for a pick-six.

"I love the way Stingley has been practicing through these five days of training camp," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "He is going after it every play. And with his adjustments, you will see him in more one-on-one opportunities. As you saw today, he made a big-time play."

Durability was the lone negative Stingley faced entering the league, as several injuries plagued his final two seasons at LSU. His most noteworthy came during his junior year when a Lisfranc injury limited him to three games. He missed the final four games of his rookie season due to a hamstring injury. 

If Stingley can stay healthy, the second-year defensive back will live up to the high expectations in 2023, while Ryans' defense has proven to be more suitable for his skill set.

"I am doing everything," Stingley said. "I feel like I am around the ball a lot more. And more plays will be made."

Best Day of training camp for Davis Mills: Quarterback Davis Mills has not had the best start to camp. The first four days were filled with Mills overthrowing receivers while accounting for three out of the Texans' six interceptions.

"We know [offensively], first things first, [we’ve] got to protect the ball, protect the team," Ryans said. "We have to be much better with our decision-making there – knowing alright, when can we fit the ball in and when it’s time to move on to the next play." 

Mills' play has him trailing Stroud in the ongoing quarterback competition. But the third-year veteran began to close the gap on Day 5.

Mills was the better quarterback during the first day of padded practice. His decision-making was better, and his passes looked more polished. During the Texans' red zone drill, Mills used his legs to score on two occasions when receivers were not open. 

The highlight of the day came when rookie wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson recorded a deep ball pass attempt over the top of cornerback Cobi Francis. Mills was the quarterback who led Hutchinson to the big play. 

"I don’t think if you’re going out there thinking you’re in a competition every single day," Mills said. "My biggest focus is just going out there and doing the best I can do to show the coaches what I can do and go out there and perform."

Another great day for Blake Cashman: When Blake Cashman left NRG Stadium Sunday afternoon, he contributed to the defense's success. Cashman recorded a pass breakup between quarterback Case Keenum and tight end Brevin Jordan during 11-on-11. And on the next possession, he recorded his first interception following a pass attempt from Mills.

The defense replicated their performance during Day 4, which featured another great practice for Cashman. During the first play of 11-on-11, Cashman picked off Stroud's pass attempt. 

Cashman has put together an impressive camp since Wednesday morning. His productivity is a major reason why Ryans has felt that the competition at linebacker has been "tight." 

"A lot of good players there and guys are really – they’re starting to gel as a group," Ryans said. "They’re playing well together. They’re making plays every day. 

"I’m excited to where that group can take off and be. So, all those guys, they’re doing a really good job. Coach Kiffin is doing a great job coaching them." 

QUICK HITS

- After leaving Sunday's practice with injuries, fullback Troy Hairston and tight end Dalton Schultz were absent during Day 5 of camp. Second-year defensive lineman Thomas Booker was out with an apparent hand injury.

- The Texans welcomed WWE superstars Otis, Maxxine Dupri and Chad Gable to training camp practice. The trio is known as Alpha Academy. They are in Houston to participate in Monday night's Raw competition inside the Toyota Center.

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

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