Over his nine NFL seasons, Stefon Diggs has played with several top-level defensive backs.
With the Minnesota Vikings, Diggs went up in practice against Pro Bowlers Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith.
During his four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, he had to match up daily against All-Pro Tre’Davious White. If Diggs managed to get past him, he ran into either Jordan Poyer or Micah Hyde.
So yes, it’s safe to assume 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 actually think —and I won’t even shake when I say this—I think he’s one of the best DBs in the league, especially from a talent level,” Diggs said following Monday’s training camp practice. “He can run, he can break and compete at a high level.”
Stingley. the former No. 3 overall pick, has pushed Diggs in practice when asked to line up in man coverage. There have been moments where the former LSU star has won the battle.
All-Pro WR Stefon Diggs says Derek Stingley Jr is one of the best DBs in the league and thinks rookie Kamari Lassiter could be ready right now. 👀 pic.twitter.com/9JDlkmCJon
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) July 22, 2024
There’s been a handful of reps where Diggs has won the war, though it’s all in good fun to better the roster.
“I want to do you in the worst way, but it’s all love,” Diggs said of going up against someone in coverage.
In two years, Stingley has proven his All-Pro potential in coverage. Last season in 11 games, he intercepted five passes and broke up 13 more en route to helping the Texans finish with a top-10 defense and division title.
Health has been a lingering concern for Stingley as he enters Year 3 and it carries back to his time in Baton Rouge. After helping the Tigers win their first national title in over a decade, the 6-foot-1 All-American played in just 10 games over his final two years.
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on Derek Stingley Jr.
“He’s been very consistent. One of our most consistent players in camp, so I’m encouraged with where Derek is.” pic.twitter.com/0fc2D6Ynw9
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) July 23, 2024
Since arriving in 2022, lower-body injuries have limited Stingley to just 20 games in two years. The Texans aren’t concerned with his body entering camp and still envision him being the top cover man under DeMeco Ryans’ man-heavy defense for the long haul.
“Derek has done a great job during camp,” Ryans said Monday. “He’s been very consistent. One of our most consistent players in camp, so I’m encouraged with where Derek is.”
