Everyone knows the Houston Texans feature two of the best young cornerbacks in the sport heading into the 2026 season.
Two-time All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. is lethal in coverage, both while attacking the receiver and while trying to create turnovers. He's second in the NFL with 14 interceptions since 2023 and has 46 pass breakups, which ranks top five among all defensive backs.
But Pro Bowler Kamari Lassiter deserves some love. No one plays the run as he does, but the 6-foot defender has improved in coverage, totaling seven interceptions in two seasons. Lassiter also has been more than just a No. 2 cornerback, holding his own against some of the league's best when asked to play the right side of the field.
Where do they rank headed into the new season among all defenders on the otuside?
Stingley was named the second-best for 2026 by Fox Sports' panel of NFL writers . Ben Arthur said that after a slow start, dating back to his college career, few players have been as impactful in taking away passes intended for touchdowns.
"After injury issues plagued the end of his LSU tenure and start of his NFL career, few defensive players have been more dominant than Stingley," Arthur wrote. "He's the ultimate playmaker — 14 interceptions and 46 pass breakups since 2023 — and has been virtually unstoppable in coverage. The former No. 3 overall pick allowed a completion rate of just 37.9% when targeted in zone last season, the lowest mark by any qualified defender since at least 2018, according to Next Gen Stats.
"Stingley played arguably the best ball of his career last season during the Texans ' nine-game winning streak, allowing zero yards three times (!) and not more than 45 in any of the other six."
Lassiter didn't make the cut, but best be assured his name was mentioned just outside the top 10. In time, Houston could featue not just the best cornerback duo in the league, but perhaps a pair of top-five defensive backs who are worth elite money.
To see who made the top 10 altogether, click here .
The Texans kick off the season against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 13 at Relaint Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. named top 3 CB by Fox Sports for 2026
