Two seasons into his NFL career, and Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. seems to have transformed into the next rising defensive star.
While evaluators envisioned Stingley as one of the top young defensive prospects coming out of LSU, cornerbacks, in general, can often take time to flourish.
Still, countless scouts figured the 2022 No. 3 overall pick would eventually become one of the league’s top cover corners in due time.
That time has arrived following a season in DeMeco Ryans’ man-heavy system. Executives seem to agree that last season’s success wasn’t a fluke and more is expected from the 6-foot-1 defender entering Year 3.
Derek Stingley Jr. year 2 pic.twitter.com/SZhCwqCJZM
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) June 13, 2024
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler polled over 80 executives, coaches and personnel members to rank the top 10 cornerbacks heading into training camp. Stingley, who totaled five interceptions in 11 games last season, rounded out the list at No. 10.
“Stingley went one pick ahead of [Sauce] Gardner in the 2022 draft — Nos. 3 and 4, respectively — and while Gardner captivated earlier, Stingley is validating his status, too.” Fowler wrote. “Stingley had major ball production in 2023, with five interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 11 games. His 31% ball-hawk rate led the league.”
The rankings also show how high a player ranks among the evaluators. For Stingley, he appeared on at least one ballot at the No. 2 spot, trailing only Broncos’ Pat Surtain II, Browns’ Denzel Ward, Titans’ L’Jarius Sneed and Gardner.
One AFC scout mentioned how skills matched the eye test when watching the film.
“So smooth and athletic,” the scout said. “No physical limitations. Really strong with good ball skills.”
Health remains the one concern surrounding Stingely’s promising career. After playing ten games over his final two seasons at LSU, he’s only played 20 in two years for Houston due to lower-body extremities.
General manager Nick Caserio mentioned that injuries are “a part of the game” and out of the team’s control. Even with back-to-back injuries that’s forced him to miss time, everyone has been pleased with Stingely’s growth and attentiveness in coverage.
Nick Caserio on Derek Stingley Jr. and the injury issues he’s had in the previous seasons.
“Derek’s a great kid, he’s had a good offseason, he’s worked hard so we’ll see how it goes during training camp.” pic.twitter.com/Icynmatz7L
— Shaun Bijani (@ShaunBijani) July 18, 2024
“Derek’s in a good spot. He’s had a really good offseason,” Caserio said last week before Houston’s first training camp practice. He’s worked hard.
“We’ll see how it goes here in training camp.”