NFL Draft 2022: Grading Texans’ No. 3 pick of Derek Stingley Jr.

Grading the Houston Texans’ third overall pick of Derek Stingley Jr.

The Houston Texas are a lucky team. Well, maybe not lucky, but they have a certain luxury in this draft that other teams do not. Like any team that is a total dumpster fire of a franchise, the Texans can upgrade their roster with almost any player. Things like position, value, or fit are things that Houston doesn’t need to worry about, that other teams would. So they just need to pick the best player on the board.

And with the 3rd overall pick, they were able to do just that. Derek Stingley Jr. is a phenomenal player who was able to produce in the toughest conference in the country. Stingley has the athleticism and reactive quickness to cover top receivers He primarily plays on the outside, he got some reps in the slot. Stingley has some of the best ball skills in the draft, showing the ability to high-point and pluck away picks.

Stingley was a five-star prospect out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he was the no. 1 ranked corner in the country and third overall player.

He was the best corner in the country as a true freshman, three years ago, but his production fell off in a COVID-shortened 2020 season and then he missed most of 2021 due to a foot injury that ended his career.

This isn’t the worst pick the team could have made but it certainly isn’t the best as there were much better players on the board, including a better corner. But if Stingley can get back to how he looked as a freshman then the Texans could have a great corner on their roster able to go against the best.

Grade: B