Lovie Smith explains where he envisions Derek Stingley Jr. in Texans defense

Houston Texans head coach Lovie Smith has emphasized that his defense will be doing “different things” this season on defense with arrival of former LSU star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., a player in which he envisions as someone who can shadow opposing top wide receivers, even as a rookie. Smith said as much when he drafted the Tiger standout.

"I knew it was gonna be early."

Derek Stingley Jr. gets the call from the @HoustonTexans 📞 (via @NFLFilms) @stingjr

Season finale of #HeyRookie airs on ESPN2 today at 3:30pm ET pic.twitter.com/geNVHYN9im

— NFL (@NFL) May 3, 2022

“Hey, Derek, you excited man?” Smith asked.

“Yes, sir, I am. Thank you,” Stingley replied.

“I’ve got a plan for you,” Smith said. “How about going to the No. 1 receiver every time. Sound good?”

“Sounds good to me,” Stingley answered.

Smith has the type of confidence he does in Stingley because of his incredible career (while healthy), which began on a high note with 39 tackles with six interceptions as the Tigers went on be undefeated, ultimately winning the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship as a true freshman.

He would nurse multiple injuries throughout next two seasons and played in just three games for LSU last season. Overall, Stingley made appearances in 25 games in his three-year stay at LSU and totaled 73 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six interceptions, 20 passes defended, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. 

Despite his injuries, he was selected No. 3 overall by the Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft, recently signing a four-year, fully-guaranteed $34.6 million rookie contract, including a $22.4 million signing bonus.

The lofty expectations Stingley’s new head coach has thrown on his is nothing new to the former blue-chip prospect. Out of high school, Stingley was a five-star recruit and the No. 3 prospect in the nation from the Class of 2019, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

In fact, Stingley has three years of experience in the SEC guarding eventual pro prospects, a solid chunk of which have gone on to become reliable players for their respective franchises. He had to contend with some top-tier wide receivers, and he said that takes more than just showing up on Saturdays. It’s a weekly grind — something that will continue into the NFL as he continues to build a relationship with his new head coach.

“It was good,” Stingley said about meeting Smith during the pre-draft process. “He showed a lot of interest. We had some small words about how it would be, but that’s between me and him. I’m excited to show it, once we get to the season. I just can’t wait to work.”