Stefon Diggs already sees Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. as one of the NFL’s best DBs

During his nine seasons in the NFL, Stefon Diggs has played with several top defenders.

While with the Minnesota Vikings, Diggs played a practice against Pro Bowlers Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith.

During his four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, he went up against All-Pro Tre’Davious White on a daily basis. When Diggs got past him, he ran into Jordan Poyer or Micah Hyde.

So yeah, it’s safe to assume that Diggs knows what a great defensive back looks like. As the newest member of the Houston Texans, he can add Derek Stingley Jr. to his list of talented teammates.

“I honestly think — and I’m not even going to tremble when I say this — I think he’s one of the best DBs in the league, especially talent-wise,” Diggs said after Monday’s practice. “He can run, he can break down and compete at a high level.”

Stingley, the former No. 3 overall pick, has pushed Diggs in practice when he’s been asked to play man coverage, and there have been times when the former LSU star has won the battle.

There have been a few iterations where Diggs has won the battle, but it’s all meant to improve the roster.

“I want to hurt you in the worst way, but it’s all love,” Diggs said of the game against someone in coverage.

In two years, Stingley has proven his All-Pro potential in coverage. In 11 games last season, he intercepted five passes and broke up 13 more en route to helping the Texans finish with a top-10 defense and a division title.

Health has been a constant concern for Stingley as he enters Year 3, dating back to his time in Baton Rouge. After helping the Tigers win their first national title in more than a decade, the 6-foot-1 All-American played in just 10 games over his last two years.

Since joining in 2022, lower-body injuries have limited Stingley to just 20 games in two years. The Texans aren’t worried about his body entering training camp and still see him as the best cover man under DeMeco Ryan’s man-heavy defense for the long term.

“Derek’s done a great job in camp,” Ryans said Monday. “He’s been very consistent. One of our most consistent players in camp, so I’m encouraged by where Derek is.”

The story originally appeared on Texans Wire