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Washington Football Team: Grades for each 2021 NFL Draft pick

By Ken Johannesen

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 01: Safety Darrick Forrest #5 and safety Bryan Cook #6 of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrate after a defensive play during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 01: Safety Darrick Forrest #5 and safety Bryan Cook #6 of the Cincinnati Bearcats celebrate after a defensive play during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 01, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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Minnesota defensive back Benjamin St-Juste (25) tackles Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.Cfb Purdue Vs Minnesota
Minnesota defensive back Benjamin St-Juste (25) tackles Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette.Cfb Purdue Vs Minnesota /

Round 3: Benjamin St-Juste, Cornerback, Minnesota

The first surprise for the Washington Football Team occurred with the first of two picks in the third round.  Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste was chosen with the 74th overall pick in this round, but it is something of a head-scratcher.

Washington had a need for cornerback depth after 2020 starter Ronald Darby signed with Denver and reserve corner Fabian Moreau inked a deal with Atlanta. St-Juste should be a good depth addition for Washington, but can he develop into a starter at this level?

The short answer is in the affirmative, but it will take a bit of time.

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St-Juste is a press cover corner that thrives on the perimeter only.  That would make him a good candidate for the No. 2 corner position, but moving St-Juste inside would be a mistake.

Also, he plays closer to the line of scrimmage on any passing play.  Can he develop his lanky 6-3 frame into a diverse force or will his skillset continue to be one-dimensional?  Don’t bet against defensive backs coach Chris Harris.

With all due respect to St-Juste, this selection appears to be a reach and it is likely the former Golden Gopher would’ve been available in the fourth round.  Washington did have the luxury of having two draft picks in this round and using that second pick on St-Juste would’ve been a reach as well, but teams must make informed decisions when they are on the clock.

Verdict:  We may never know if Washington received an offer for this pick, but it would’ve been the right choice.  Taking St-Juste at this juncture feels like something of a desperation move.  He will likely be a good player, but Washington needed more patience here.

Grade: C

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