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As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Sunday, No. 18 was right tackle Andrew Wylie.
We continue our countdown today with No. 17, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.
St-Juste’s rookie season ended after nine games due to a concussion. The 6-foot-3 St-Juste showed promise as a rookie, but it was clear he still had a ways to go.
In 2022, St-Juste worked in the slot throughout the offseason and during the early portions of the regular season. However, St-Juste’s second season really took off when the Commanders moved him back to his more traditional position of outside cornerback. While he lost some battles, St-Juste had his share of wins against the likes of Justin Jefferson, DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown.
In the middle of Washington’s winning streak, St-Juste suffered a hamstring injury in a Week 11 win at Houston. After the game, St-Juste indicated it wasn’t serious. He returned for one more game, playing 44 snaps, before missing the final two games.
That was disappointing for St-Juste and for Washington’s cornerback depth. He had developed into a good starting cornerback.
The Commanders entered the offseason knowing they needed more cornerback depth. That led Washington to select Emmanuel Forbes in the first round and versatile Quan Martin in the second round. Forbes will play outside cornerback, while Martin can play inside or outside and at safety.
Where does that leave St-Juste in 2023?
The Commanders love St-Juste. He just needs to stay healthy. If he misses a significant portion of the 2023 season, then you question if Washington will invest in him beyond his rookie contract. Martin was initially expected to play the slot, but his versatility can allow him to line up anywhere. Washington could turn to St-Juste to play the slot, leaving Kendall Fuller and Forbes on the outside to get its best players on the field.
It’s clear St-Juste is better on the outside, but he can play the slot. St-Juste needs a healthy season, and if he misses significant time again, it could turn a team strength [cornerback] into a question mark.
The 2023 season is a pivotal one for St-Juste.