Derek Stingley reveals who he models his game after, why he's the best corner in NFL Draft

Former LSU Tigers cornerback Derek Stingley is trying to prove his worth at the NFL Scouting Combine this week. On Saturday, Stingley was asked a number of questions by reporters, ranging from what he would bring to a team in the NFL to who he models his game after.

First, Stingley discussed his overall game, and he said that he tries his best to be a ball hawk by getting to any ball that is thrown his way.

“I have a high IQ, I’ve got good pacing at the line, and I can play the ball in the air,” Stingley said at the NFL Combine. “If I see it, I’ll try my best to go get it.”

Stingley was then asked about what he would bring to a team that drafts him. He believes that he is a versatile corner that can play man or zone coverage, which would likely be something that attracts NFL teams.

“I’m a great man corner and I can also play zone,” Stingley said when asked what he would bring to the NFL. “Zone, they give me eyes on the football so I can go make a play on it.”

I asked Derek Stingley what makes him the best DB in this draft class

“I can play zone or man “ pic.twitter.com/fYm15ojA0O

— Malik Wright (@Wrightreportt) March 5, 2022

Stingley on who he models his game after

When asked about who he models his game after, Stingley immediately referred to a NFL Hall of Fame defensive back: Champ Bailey.

Bailey is a 12-time Pro Bowler, and he was also a three-time All-Pro. He is one of the better cornerbacks to play in the NFL, and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2019.

“Really, Champ Bailey is somebody who I like a lot,” Stingley said when asked who he models his game after. “We’ve got similar body physique, we can run with the fastest, and we both played both ways growing up. That’s where we get our catching abilities from. I feel like Champ Bailey is someone who I model my game after.”

Stingley isn’t working out at the NFL Combine, as he is still rehabbing after a Lis Franc injury in his foot that required surgery earlier in the season.

“Derek Stingley Jr. confirms he tore his Lis Franc ligament in his foot week four of last season,” The Draft Network’s Carmen Vitali tweeted. “He’s still rehabbing currently & won’t be partaking in workouts here in Indy but is ahead of schedule in his progress and on pace to fully participate in his pro day.

“Had surgery on Sept. 29 and was given a timetable of 4-6 months recovery.”