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Texans Cornerback Duo Ranked as NFL’s Best Entering 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By A. Kazmierczak | Last updated Jun 18, 2025 10:50 AM ET

Entering the 2025 season, the Houston Texans are expected to have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Among that defense, is a secondary, led by a pair of cornerbacks, that gave opposing offensive coordinators fits last season.

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently published an article ranking the league's 10 best cornerback duos ahead of the 2025 season. Atop the list was Houston's Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter.

"The Houston Texans' cornerback duo takes the top spot because they check all the boxes next to consistency, ball production, accolades and upside." Moton wrote.

Last season, Stingley Jr. and Lassiter combined for eight interceptions, 28 passes defended, and 112 total tackles.

"At least for now, Derek Stingley Jr. is the highest-paid CB. He's making the megabucks for good reason, allowing a completion rate below 48 percent with five interceptions in consecutive seasons."

Lassiter, a second-round pick out of Georgia in the 2024 NFL Draft, enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign last fall.

"At Georgia, Lassiter took on a versatile role, but he settled in as a boundary cornerback in Houston. He was a season-opening starter and looked natural on the outside. He recorded 10 pass breakups, three interceptions and scored on a safety in 14 games."

Lassiter also bested his All-Pro teammate in one category last season.

"Though Stingley matches up against the league's top receivers, it's worth noting Lassiter allowed a lower completion rate (43.8) than his All-Pro teammate (47.1) last season." Moton wrote.

As a result of Lassiter and Stingley's play, the Texans' defense led the NFL holding opponents to a 58.27 completion percentage, and finished second behind the Minnesota Vikings (24) with 19 interceptions.

"The Texans have the league's best secondary when you factor in safeties Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre and versatile defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, but they also have the best young cornerback duo with Stingley and Lassiter on the boundary."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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