The Houston Texans knew what they were getting when they drafted former LSU cornerback Derek Stingley No. 3 overall in the 2022 NFL draft.
The 6-0, 195-pound defensive back is coming off a Lisfranc injury that limited him to three games in 2021, but the Texans still took Stingley with their eyes wide open.
“Really he played three or four games there with a foot and he wasn’t really healthy,” general manager Nick Caserio told “Payne & Pendergast” on Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] Monday. “So, kind of speaks to his competitiveness and his toughness. And then he was able to get out there in the spring and show that he’s at least making some progress. I’d say he’s got some work to do in terms of being ready to go for camp.”
What Stingley showed in his three seasons with LSU was the ability to face the best receivers in the Southeastern Conference — both in practice and on Saturdays — and compete at a high level consistently.
Said Caserio: “Has a really good demeanor and presence about him. I’d say he’s very quiet and soft spoken. One of the things you guys will notice when you do get a chance to talk to him, he doesn’t really say much, but you can’t mistake that for what I would say internal drive and competitive spirit and competitive stamina and toughness. Has a good understanding of the techniques that go along with playing the corner position. So, when you factor everything in, we felt comfortable with the pick.”
Stingley’s availability throughout the course of the offseason workout program is not a concern for Caserio.
“I’d say he’s certainly working through it this spring,” said Caserio. “I think, and I’d say not specific to Derek, but during the course of the spring, you’ll love different players at different stages that may or not be available for practice. Doesn’t necessarily mean anything. It just means we’re working through our process with those players, but the expectations for those players will be ready for training camp.”
