Former Houston Texans first-round pick to become ‘legitimate star’ this season

The Houston Texans have undergone a rapid rebuild, turning around a three-win season in 2022 and winning ten games and a playoff game in 2023. A good draft selection — including star quarterback CJ Stroud — has been essential to a rapid rebuild.

Now, the Texans have begun to assemble stars around Stroud to build a title contender while maximizing the rookie quarterback’s potential. The addition of receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon via trade this offseason means there are more stars in Houston heading into the 2024 NFL season.

Could the Texans have another star coming this coming season — this time from a player already on the roster? CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso took a look at former first-round picks who could emerge as stars next NFL season, with the Texans’ Derek Stingley Jr. on the list.

“Stingley looked like a first-round pick as an 18-year-old freshman at LSU during the Tigers’ legendary national title-winning season with Joe Burrow and company,” Trapasso wrote. “Because he was drafted ahead of Sauce Gardner, then got hurt, and Gardner went on to win Rookie of the Year, the Stingley selection was quickly considered a colossal mistake. In 2023, Stingley threw five interceptions, threw 14 more en route to a clear bounce-back year for the former No. 3 overall pick.”

After a bounce-back season, Stingley has true star potential that can be realized this season with the help of an improved roster. An incredible offseason from the Texans will help the cornerback become a true star.

“With a strengthened offense in Houston led by monster acquisition Danielle Hunter, and likely an offense that gives the Texans big leads all season long, cornerbacks are going to be in pounce mode for much of the year,” Trapasso continued. “My prediction: By the end of the 2024 season, there will be a legitimate debate over who is the better cornerback, Stingley or Gardner.”

Houston would benefit greatly from Stingley developing the potential the former third overall pick showed in college and built on last season. Of course, Stingley must first be able to play 17 games, which is what the Texans are hoping for.

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•Former Houston Texans superstar ranked among NFL’s top 25 players since 2000