When the Washington Commanders used its first two draft picks on defensive backs, many pundits rushed to suggest the selections may spell the end of Kendall Fuller’s time in Washington. However, the health of another Commanders’ cornerback may have played a larger role in the decision to draft Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin in the first and second rounds, respectively.
Speaking with the media on Wednesday, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera dropped an intriguing note about third-year cornerback Benjamin St-Juste saying, “If we can keep him on the field,” according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.
Benjamin St-Juste has missed 13 games through his first two seasons. He got placed in the concussion protocol three times during his rookie season. The third time landed St-Juste on injured reserve, effectively ending his season.
In 2022, St-Juste missed five of the Commanders’ last six games due to an ankle injury.
Fuller, St-Juste, and Forbes can create a formidable trio for the Commanders. But what if the Commanders look at the situation as Fuller, Forbes, and Martin?
Martin has been mentioned widely as the slot cornerback. The Commanders drafted Martin to play inside. Forbes has played inside in sets during OTAs and minicamp for development but he’s primarily an outside cornerback. Fuller has the versatility to play inside and out, but he has played strictly outside d.
St-Juste worked his way from a slot cornerback to taking on the top coverage assignments during last season. But, three documented concussions and a lingering ankle injury appear to have drawn concern within the Commanders’ organization.
The team’s makeup suggests Forbes is a lock to play on the outside and most likely playing opposite Fuller. Martin will eventually become the primary slot cornerback. The onus is St-Juste enters the season as Washington’s most versatile cornerback.
St-Juste is likely to start the 2023-24 season inside. Whether he can stay on the field will go a long way toward the direction the Commanders will go moving forward.
Fuller is the group’s veteran, at 28 years old, in a contract year. If St-Juste stays on the field and performs well, this could be Fuller’s last year in Washington. But, if St-Juste’s injuries continue, Washington may also evaluate his status on the team moving forward.
It’s evident by Rivera’s comment, St-Juste’s injury history was also a factor Washington’s brass considered before drafting Forbes and Martin.
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