Ikem Ekwonu and 6 NFL Draft prospects the NY Jets must avoid

5. The NY Jets must avoid drafting Derek Stingley Jr.

Two years ago, LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. seemed like a surefire future top-five pick and someone who could even push for the top overall spot in his draft class.

A standout freshman season saw Stingley emerge as one of the best defensive players in all of college football as he was named first-team All-SEC and a Consensus All-American. All of this was accomplished as a true freshman in the most competitive conference in the nation.

Unfortunately, injuries and on-field inconsistencies have dropped his stock a little bit. Teams still remember that incredible 2019 season, but there's absolutely some concern as well.

Stingley has played just 10 games over the last two years and a Lisfranc injury in his foot kept him sidelined for most of 2021. He was unable to participate in drills at the NFL Combine too as he continues to recover from his injury.

Foot injuries are always a concern, especially when it comes to a position like cornerback that relies heavily on footwork. Stingley's 2019 tape is phenomenal, but he's undoubtedly one of the riskiest prospects in this class.

The Jets could be looking for cornerback reinforcements in the draft, but they'd be better off turning to prospects with fewer question marks such as Ahmad Gardner and Andrew Booth Jr.

Stingley can be great, but the Jets can't afford to whiff with one of those top picks. Joe Douglas needs to hit on this draft. Stingley would be an unnecessary risk.