Derek Stingley Jr. describes expectations for second season with Texans

Year Two with the Houston Texans is loading for Derek Stingley Jr., the former first-round pick. Stingley was able to find success as a rookie but with a new head coach coming into the building, he is looking to up the level. Considering he was a good cover corner last season, it may be difficult to improve.

One area Stingley can already see improvement in is his field vision. The defensive back feels like the game is playing out in front of him a little more, potentially slowing down as well. Stingley has worked on being able to process what is unfolding in front of his eyes. Thus far, it’s paying off in a big way.

“Oh, I feel like I’ve improved and I’m seeing the whole field at a faster rate,” Stingley Jr. said via KPRC 2. “I could kind of see it last year and in the years before that, but Year One to Year Two, you can see the pace a little bit more. Nothing’s really unexpected. Nothing really catches you off-guard anymore. I mean, it’s nice.”

Stingley played in nine games as a rookie, not allowing a single touchdown in coverage. He got his hands on an interception as well while recording five defended passes. Some of the NFL’s best wide receivers were on the other side of the Texans’ first-year player. A huge test, even for someone drafted No. 3 overall.

Now, the goal is to be healthy for an entire season. You would have to go back to 2020 with LSU to find the last time Stingley played a complete football schedule. He dealt with an injury throughout his entire junior season.

Working with Houston Strength and Conditioning coach Mike Eubanks is helping the process move along. The two apparently work together every single day, with Stingley being able to add muscle to his frame.

“I put in a lot of work every day with coach Mike,” Stingley said. “I didn’t even realize it until I started seeing everybody saying, ‘You got big, you got swole.’ Even when I was in high school, I always had muscle. It is a little different now.”

With all of the offseason work, expectations are bound to be high for Stingley. Head coach DeMeco Ryans will only help the cause too, being one of the top defensive minds in all of football. Big things ahead in Houston for the DB.