NFL Draft: Prospects who should tumble down New York Giants’ board
By Zak Musso
LSU CB – Derek Stingley Jr.
Just two years ago, there is no way Stingley Jr. would have been predicted to appear on a list of plummeting draft stocks.
In his 2019 freshman season, Stingley Jr, the national championship-winning LSU Tigers anchor of the defense, with six interceptions and 38 tackles, had a future as a first-round pick.
According to PFF, quarterbacks had a brutal 51.4 passer rating while throwing at Stingley Jr. that season, who led a defense that had future first round picks Patrick Queen and K’Lavon Chaisson, and second round pick Grant Delpit. Stingley Jr. likely would have been a top 5 pick in the 2020 draft if eligible.
However, Stingley Jr’s stock has plummet over the past two seasons.
In 2020, Stingley Jr. played in just seven games due to an illness and foot injury, recording zero interceptions and giving up 13 catches for 158 yards on 29 targets. That season, quarterback passer ratings shot up to 73.6 against him, according to PFF.
Stingley Jr’s 2021 season was also cut short after suffering a torn ligament, classified as a Lisfranc injury, in his left foot during September. In the three games he played, Stingley Jr. posted the worst season of his college career, with PFF grading quarterbacks with a 128.1 passer rating when targeting the cornerback.
Stingley Jr. is still recovering from that injury and was unable to participate at the 2022 NFL Combine.
The cornerback position is loaded in this year’s NFL Draft, with Sauce Gardner of Cincinnati, Andre Booth Jr. of Clemson, and Trent McDuffie of Washington all likely first round picks, and all better options for the Giants.
While Stingley Jr’s talent is undeniable, and if the injuries weren’t a factor, he’d likely be a slam dunk pick, the Giants can’t afford taking a huge risky swing when there are so many holes to be filled on the roster.