4 biggest injury-risk targets for Commanders in 2022 NFL Draft

1. Derek Stingley

Is there a bigger boom-or-bust product in the 2022 class than Derek Stingley? Just posing that question comes off as disrespectful given his star potential, but his fall from grace after his immaculate freshman year shouldn’t be ignored.

Stingley was an overlooked component of the historic LSU team in 2019 that was headlined by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

That probably had something to do with the fact he was a freshman, but he but he was an invaluable part of that championship squad, as he notched six interceptions and 21 passes defended en route to earning All-American honors.

That season alone had Stingley positioned to be a first-round pick this year, but his last two seasons in Baton Rouge have raised some fair questions. Not only did his efficiency in coverage crater, but he played just 10 games during that span.

In the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, Stingley missed three games; two due to an ankle injury and one with an illness. This past season, he tore a ligament in his left foot before LSU’s fourth game and went under the knife.

The 20-year-old defensive back is still recovering from the injury and didn’t participate in the Combine, but he’s expecting to take part in LSU’s pro day on April 6.

Already considered a risky pick, Stingley’s stock could take a further hit if he clocks a slow 40-yard dash and disappoints in other agility drills, so you better believe Washington will have a keen eye to see how that left foot holds up.