The Minnesota Vikings are all too familiar with shutdown cornerbacks from LSU, having signed veteran Patrick Peterson to a one-year deal prior to the 2021 season, and an extension this offseason. It worked out for both Peterson and the Vikings, so it would only make sense to take a swing at a nearly identical player, just about 11 years younger than Peterson.
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Below, we take a look at LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., and how he would be the best fit for the Vikings if available with the 12th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Derek Stingley Jr. Is Best Vikings Fit in 2022 NFL Draft
3. The tutelage of Patrick Peterson
Fortunately for Derek Stingley Jr., coming to Minnesota could be the easiest place to get acclimated to what it means to be in the NFL. That seamless transition would be in large part due to the leadership and guidance of fellow former LSU Tigers cornerback Patrick Peterson.
The eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro Peterson will be entering his 12th season in the NFL, and the comparisons to Stingley are uncanny. Both will be top-half of the first-round draft selections, both by way of Louisiana State University, and both will be expected to not only start but make an immediate impact on the teams that select them. While Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Tempe, Arizona couldn't be much more opposite, the things Peterson could bestow upon Stingley could be exactly what the youngster needs to succeed.
2. Man coverage ability
The one thing the Vikings have seemingly been without for the last couple of seasons is a true shutdown corner. Derek Stingley Jr. is just that.
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His prototypical size, speed, and athleticism grant him the ability to be impactful in man coverage. Very few receivers currently in the NFC North (now that Davante Adams is in Las Vegas) have the top-end speed to outrun Stingley on the top end. He's able to cover the deep ball with that speed and has shown the ability to start and stop it on a dime.
4.37 40-yard dash speed. 💨
Derek Stingley Jr, everyone! 🤯
(via @JamesPalmerTV) pic.twitter.com/4EfzbqLs6O
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) April 16, 2022
He's also a willing tackler, with the ability to get downhill quickly and make tackles in the backfield after he fights through blocks.
1. If health holds up, could be the best value pick in the draft
Stingley looked to be on track to be a top-three pick, possibly even first overall, after his first year on campus in Baton Rouge in 2019. He was a one-man pass defending machine, tallying six interceptions and 15 passes defended through his freshman season.
Unfortunately for Stingley, he would only play in 10 games over the next two seasons due to a laundry list of injuries. Because of that, his production dipped in a bad way, and his effort at times has raised the eyebrows of folks not only at LSU but scouts around the NFL. Should he be there at the 12th-overall selection and his health holds up through his first few seasons, the Vikings could be looking back in a few seasons and have the best value pick in the entire 2022 NFL Draft.
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