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When the Washington Football Team selected Minnesota cornerback Benjamin St-Juste in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft, many fans said, who?
St-Juste was described as a tall, long-armed cornerback who wasn’t afraid to stick his nose in the run game. And that he could possibly play safety if things didn’t work out at corner.
Well, if day two of Washington’s minicamp was any indication of what the future holds for St-Juste, the Football Team may have gotten another steal in the third round.
The Minnesota product had a very active day in practice on Wednesday, breaking up several passes, including one meant for star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
Rookie CB Benjamin St-Juste jumped up for a 50-50 ball against Terry McLaurin in the end zone, knocked it away as McLaurin landed, then stared over him as the defense erupted in celebration.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) June 9, 2021
Chris Russell of Team 980 and Sports Illustrated offered the following analysis of St-Juste’s day:
Rookie cornerback Benjamin St-Juste was all over the place. He was hounding just about every receiver he went up against at the right outside corner position. Quite simply, if this is the type of player the WFT drafted — look out.
Washington needs depth at cornerback. Kendall Fuller, William Jackson III and Jimmy Moreland likely have the top three spots locked down. But if St-Juste emerges as a rookie, it allows Fuller to move back into the slot where he is most comfortable and one of the best in the NFL.
Oh my goodness, Ben St. Juste just made a beautiful break on the ball on the right sideline. Had it in his hands and couldn’t finish the pick. Great defensive play, read it the whole way
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) June 9, 2021
It was a big day for St-Juste. And, before you say, “it was just minicamp,” I pay more attention to what corners do in these types of practices than any other position.
While there is a long way to go, WFT fans should be encouraged.