The hype surrounding Derek Stingley Jr. continues to build as this month’s draft quickly approaches.
According to NFL insider Matt Miller of ESPN, Stingley is the “hottest name” in the draft and has “buzz” as a possible top-three pick.
2. Derek Stingley, Jr. is the hottest name in the draft. There is even buzz about him being a top 3 pick to either Detroit or Houston.
Said one scout when asked about his subpar 2020 season—”I’d have checked out on that team, too.”
The Seahawks at 9 feel like a floor for him.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 22, 2022
Stingley reportedly tested “exceptionally well” in his pre-draft interviews and all his medical reports came back clean. There was initially concern about his health after he underwent foot surgery back in October.
“I feel fine right now. It doesn’t even feel like I hurt it in the first place,” Stingley said after a workout earlier this month.
The talented young cornerback measured in at just over six feet and posted times of 4.37 seconds and 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash at his pro-day. Miller added that it’s “very possible” the buzz around Stingley has seen him jump the ranks over Cincinnati’s standout corner Sauce Gardner.
The majority of Stingley’s body of work comes from LSU’s National Championship campaign in 2019 — his freshman season with the Tigers. Through 15 games in Year 1, he logged 38 tackles, 15 passes defended and six interceptions.
Miller has the Seahawks’ No. 9 pick as the lowest Stingley will drop.
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