Texans select LSU CB Derek Stingley Jr. with No. 3 pick

It’s been quiet in Houston surrounding the third-overall pick, and we finally have an answer on what the organization will do. The Texans have selected LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with the No. 3 pick.

Stingley had long been considered one of the top-two cornerback prospects available, along with Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner. Recent reports indicated that Stingley was trending as high as the top-three with the Lions or Texans rumored to be interested in him at No. 2 or 3 overall. That ended up being the case, as Houston scooped him up after pass rushers were selected with the first two selections.

After a stellar freshman season, Stingley was easily viewed as the best cornerback that would be available by the 2022 Draft. But, after a subpar 2020 season and only appearing in three games last year, combined with another stellar season from Gardner, NFL teams have allowed a bit of room for Gardner to challenge as the best corner on the board.

Stingley underwent season-ending foot surgery in October, limiting him to three games as a junior. He finished his collegiate career with six interceptions, all coming during his freshman campaign.