Ahead of the NFL Combine kicking off next week we have the latest 2022 mock draft. All eyes will be on Derek Stingley Jr when he arrives in Indianapolis for the week-long process at Lucas Oil Stadium. Plenty of teams will be interested to see how he tests and find out what Stingley’s medical checks say.
Nate Davis of USA TODAY Sports released his latest mock draft with Stingley Jr heading to the New York Jets. We have seen this move in recent mocks but this time around the former five-star cornerback lands in a different slot.
What Davis Says…
New York, owner of the NFL’s worst defense in 2021 (both in terms of points and yards allowed), would be wise to invest both of its top-10 picks on that side of the ball – and Stingley will almost certainly be under consideration at No. 4, too – and not give in to any temptation to get QB Zach Wilson more toys. (GM Joe Douglas has two second-round picks, so Wilson will get help eventually.) Stingley’s talents as a cover man are undeniable and were apparent for the 2019 national champions, for whom he had six interceptions, earning All-American honors for his efforts. But foot surgery limited him to three games in 2021. Still, it would be hard for the Jets to bypass this kind of talent, especially if Stingley is still there at No. 10 and given the team’s weakness at the position.
If the NFL’s worst wants to get better on day one, they likely couldn’t do much better than their two picks in the top 10. Davis also had former Oregon Ducks edge rusher, Kayvon Thibodeaux, at No. 4. The duo is among the tops at their position in the NFL draft. Both would likely make a real impact in year one and they could play off each other.
Thibodeaux getting to the quarterback could force hurried throws that Stingley could capitalize on. It would work both ways as Stingley’s coverage could allow Thibodeaux more time to get to the quarterback.
In this mock, having both going to New York should give that team a bump on the defensive side of the ball as they look to rebuild that unit.
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