We have our first real surprise of the night at the NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans threw everyone a curveball and selected cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with the third overall pick.
He’s set to be a starter right away for the Texans as he was arguably the best defensive back in this draft.
It didn’t take long for the NFL world to react to this pick.
Stingley over Sauce. Sheesh. 2/3 so far.
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) April 29, 2022
Scouts shared this sentiment after Derek Stingley’s pro day: Let’s not overcomplicate this. He’s really good.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2022
Derek Stingley going to the Texans at 3 ensures the Panthers can get one of the top-three OTs. They’ve been in that market, and some teams believe Carolina might stick with Sam Darnold at QB.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) April 29, 2022
The Texans just got a huge W in this class. Derek Stingley Jr. is a stud.
At his ceiling, Stingley can be one of the best CBs in the NFL. Fantastic pick.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 29, 2022
Had Stingley in my mock to Houston on Friday. The buzz was too strong.
Lovie Smith gets his guy
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 29, 2022
Take CB1 Derek Stingley Jr @HoustonTexans.
He’s a stud and would be a franchise cornerstone.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) April 29, 2022
The Stingley smoke was actual fire. He’s a tremendously talented outside cornerback with top 5 talent on his 2019 tape. He is big, fast, athletic and explosive with outstanding ball skills but must find that 2019 form again. Scouting report to follow.#TexansDraft
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 29, 2022
Stingley Jr. played three seasons at LSU. His best season came in 2019 as a freshman when he finished with 38 total tackles (31 solo), six interceptions, and 15 passes defended.
He also had a strong sophomore campaign in 2020 when he racked up 27 total tackles (19 solo), one forced fumble, and five passes defended.
He finished his junior season with eight total tackles (six solo), plus one forced fumble before he got banged up and had limited playing time.
Stingley Jr. looks set to be a stud for many years to come down in Houston.
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