The Houston Texans have five players on Pro Football Sports Network's prestigious Top 100 NFL Players for 2025. Let's run down the players that made the list.
Derek Stingley Jr. Leads Texans Contingent at No. 10
Leading the Texans' representation is CB Derek Stingley Jr., who earned an impressive No. 10 ranking after a dominant 2024 campaign. The LSU product's shutdown coverage abilities have established him as one of the premier defensive backs in the league, limiting opponents to just a 45.3% completion rate when targeted.
Stingley Jr.'s 18 combined interceptions and pass breakups ranked second in the NFL last year and his ability to eliminate entire sections of the field has become a cornerstone of Houston's defensive identity, and he's fresh off signing a new contract that keeps him in H-Town.
Offensive Weapons Gain National Recognition
WR Nico Collins claimed the No. 39 spot after continuing to establish himself as the WR1 option for the Texans. Despite playing just 12 games in 2024, Collins managed his second consecutive 1,000-yard season while earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His 2.86 yards per route run ranked second among all NFL receivers, showcasing the big-play ability that makes him such a valuable asset in Houston's aerial attack.
Defensive Depth Earns League-Wide Respect
The Texans' defensive investment continues paying dividends with three defenders earning top-50 recognition. DE Danielle Hunter's No. 41 ranking reflects his immediate impact in his first season in Houston. The former LSU standout recorded 12 sacks and 66 total pressures while forming a formidable pass-rushing tandem with Will Anderson Jr.
S Jalen Pitre comes in at No. 42, recognizing his versatility and playmaking ability, despite missing five games due to injury. The former Baylor star's recent three-year extension shows how much the team believes he can continue to grow.
Coming in at No. 45 is new Texans S C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Acquired from the Eagles this offseason, Gardner-Johnson brings veteran leadership and ball skills to a secondary that already features elite talent, adding another layer to Houston's defensive foundation.
Texans Continue Building
Having five players crack the PFSN Top 100 represents more than individual achievement—it demonstrates the Texans' evolution into a legitimate playoff contender the past few seasons. Texans from both sides of the ball and multiple position groups made the list, showing how the team has sought to build a balanced stable of talent.
The combination of emerging stars like Stingley Jr. and Collins with proven veterans like Pitre, Hunter and Gardner-Johnson provides a foundation for continued growth.
