Who will lead the Houston Texans in interceptions in 2022?
The cornerback position is one of the most critical positions to limit the opposing team’s ability to score, and the Houston Texans desperately need a defensive back who can strike fear in opposing quarterbacks and offensive minds.
It has been some time since the Texans had a player with over five interceptions, the last time was Quinn Demps in 2016, but the Texans have never had a player with over seven. Can that change this season?
Houston’s defensive defense has some fresh faces. They signed veteran corner Steven Nelson and drafted Derek Stingley Jr. with the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. In 2019, Stingley only had six interceptions at LSU, but that is because quarterbacks quickly realized not to target him. After all, he will always make a play on the ball, but will Stingley have the interceptions necessary to lead Houston in 2022?
Stingley will lead the Houston Texans this year in picks. Stingley’s presence on the field will be felt early and often in his rookie season. Once he adjusts to NFL speed, we will see some great plays opening fans’ jaws in disbelief.
Texans rookie cornerback will make an impact on defense in 2022
Stingley has some instincts on the field, reminiscent of Stephen Gilmore. Stingley can track the quarterback’s eyes and make a play without overthinking the situation.
Stingley showed some elite talent in his first preseason game when Houston played the Los Angeles Rams. Stingley played 10-15 snaps, but his impact was impressive. Stingley had one tackle but also a pass break up. His ability to lockdown man to man is very impressive, and more time on the field will allow him to develop into the number one defensive back on the Texans.
The Texans don’t have a primary defensive back that will scare opposing quarterbacks into interceptions. The last defensive back who made a significant impact for the longterm was the former number 24, Johnathan Joseph.
The Texans need a player that will strike fear and questions a quarterback’s thought process, and Stingley could be that player to step up and become a defensive leader. He is very young and quiet-nature, but his talents will speak for his lack of words.