Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste was the talk of the offseason and training camp last offseason. The rookie third-round pick from Minnesota impressed coaches and teammates, evoking comparisons to former All-Pro cornerback Charles Tillman.
When Washington began the regular season, the secondary struggled. St-Juste didn’t necessarily struggle, but communications issues in the secondary were a major problem through Week 6 last season. Things improved, but St-Juste wasn’t always around for those improvements.
St-Juste missed the Week 4 win at Atlanta with a concussion. He returned to play in Weeks 5-8 before missing Week 9. He returned to play in Washington’s next two games, but only on special teams. Finally, in Week 12, Washington placed St-Juste on season-ending injured reserve, and his rookie season was over.
St-Juste is healthy now and is coming off another strong offseason. Earlier n the offseason, the coaching staff moved St-Juste inside to play the slot, believing his length and athleticism could make him a difference-maker inside.
On Tuesday, St-Juste talked about the move and why it fits.
“I knew I was going to be moved around from last year,” St-Juste said. “That was something that we’ve been talking about since I got drafted, based on my versatility. So I played corner; then, at the end of last year, they told me to learn how to play nickel. I’m still learning until this day how to feel really comfortable out there, but so far, so good. To answer your question, my versatility is a reason why I’m playing inside, and I can do that.”
At 6-foot-3, St-Juste has terrific size for a cornerback. He is also really good athlete, which is why coaches felt he could play inside or outside.
Does St-Juste believe his size will help him inside?
“It is good because traditionally the guys in the slot are smaller guys that are quicker,” St-Juste answered. “But the fact that I’m big, I’m 6′ 3,″ and I’m still as quick as the small guys [which] makes me excel at that position.”
The coaching staff believes St-Juste can be a Pro Bowl corner. He just needs to stay healthy.
