Derek Stingley Jr could go top 10
The LSU corner back has kept a low profile through mock drafts due to nagging injuries, but with several teams interested his stock has been rising.
Though other schools may dispute the claim, notably Ohio and Florida, the truth of the matter is that the real DBU is in Baton Rouge. With a program that has delivered Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson, Morris Claiborne, and Danny McCray, it is unbelievable the talent that comes wearing purple and gold. Not as prolific as during the Les Miles era, perhaps, but stunning nonetheless.
And now they have a solid corner back in Derek Stingley, Jr. on the block. The grandson of Darryl Stingley, who was left quadriplegic after a brutal hit to the head by Jack Tatum, the younger Stingley has shown superb talent during his time at LSU. He can shadow the fastest receivers and match them step for step, had a stellar Pro Day, and now is being touted as a possible CB1.
The Texans, Jaguars, Lions, Jets, and Giants are all drooling for him and his stock has steadily crept toward a top 10 slot.
Pro Football Network reported one NFL director of scouting as saying, “When Stingley is healthy, there’s simply no better corner in the draft. He’s outstanding in every way we grade football players. Players like him don’t grow on trees. They’re rare for a reason.”
Previously discounted for nagging injuries, Shrine Bowl director of football operations Eric Galko said,”Stingley is a much safer prospect than people realize. He’s a great athlete with high character and the right body type. He won’t have to wait too long to hear his name called.”
With the ideal size at 6′0″ and 190 pounds, Stingley can slot into the pass protect of several NFL teams with minimal adjustment. Once the injuries are healed, he could develop into one of the league’s premier corner backs.
Look for him to go high in the draft, likely before any other DBs name is called.