The Green Bay Packers expect valuable contributions this season from cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, who arrived in free agency this offseason and could even compete for a starting spot if others don't hold their ground. Whatever role he plays, the Packers brought him in to boost their depth, if nothing else, banking on his versatility.
St-Juste is already impressing his teammates in training camp, including safety Evan Williams. One thing he appreciates is St-Juste's eager physicality to provide support from the second level of the defense.
"He's been somebody that's pretty reliable, has a lot of length. Somebody that isn't scared at all to throw his nose in the mix," Williams said. "And that's pretty valuable, at least for me. I love having a corner that is ready and willing to tackle, ready and willing to show up.
"As a safety, you know, sometimes you get those crack blocks and you're unsure if your corner is really going to step up and make this play, but with him you don't have to worry at all. He's a guy that is willing to put his face in the mix."
Physicality and the ability to finish plays are both areas of possible improvement for the Packers' defense. Adding St-Juste is a win in both categories, and his length will come in handy shoring up coverage on the boundaries.
Benjamin St-Juste has wasted no time showcasing Swiss Army-knife skill set
The Packers aren't lacking in defensive backs eager to do the dirty work. Keisean Nixon and Javon Bullard come immediately to mind. Carrington Valentine might be slight in frame, but he will get in a receiver's grill as enthusiastically as anyone.
The problem last season was more one of execution and suitability. Valentine missed 20 percent of his tackles. That wasn't as much of a problem for Nixon or Bullard, but at 5-foot-10, neither can match St-Juste's length on the outside. Inconsistent overage plagued every Packers cornerback on the field.
In a reserve role with the Los Angeles Chargers last season, the 6-foot-3 St-Juste held quarterbacks to a passer rating of 68.3, per Pro Football Reference, and allowed only 23 completions across 43 targets. He missed one tackle all year in 38 chances.
In coverage, Williams credits St-Juste with using his length to "disrupt routes, disrupt timing," and to "make a lot of plays around the line of scrimmage." Williams has also been impressed by his new teammate's ability to shed blocks and maintain legal contact with receivers.
St-Juste can do a little bit of everything. He is physical, long, and a consistent supporter for the defenders in front of him. Although he might benefit the Packers most against the pass, his sturdy run defense should help them shut down the play more often.
The cornerback competition remains wide open, particularly after Valentine's hamstring injury in training camp. St-Juste should have a chance to command significantly more than the 356 snaps he logged in Los Angeles a year ago, if not contend for a starting job at some point this season.
If Williams' praise is any indication, he and his fellow Packers safeties appreciate having St-Juste on the field.
Add us as a preferred source on Google