NFL Mock Draft: Commanders Moving CB Benjamin St-Juste Inside?
The Washington Commanders defense went through some significant changes in the past season.
Perhaps none was bigger than the exit of starting outside cornerback William Jackson III, and the subsequent shift by Benjamin St-Juste who had prepared all offseason to be the team's primary slot defender.
If ESPN's latest mock draft is any indication of what could be, then St-Juste may be resuming his slot duties after the Commanders select Illinois Fighting Illini cornerback Devon Witherspoon with pick No. 16.
"A terrific cover corner, Witherspoon allowed just 3.3 yards per attempt thrown his direction this season, second best in the nation, and he picked off three passes," ESPN says. "Washington's pass defense improved a bit in 2022, but it still needs a dominant playmaker on the outside opposite Kendall Fuller. And Witherspoon's ball skills would help create some takeaways after the Commanders finished 28th with nine interceptions."
Washington cornerbacks combined to have just four interceptions this past season.
Meanwhile, safety Darrick Forrest had four by himself.
Granted, some of those interceptions by Forrest came in concert with how he played with and off of teammates like St-Juste, but the Commanders would surely like to get more takeaway production from their secondary regardless.
Of course, with outside and inside experience now it's possible defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and his staff could opt to start St-Juste on the outside and slide him inside when needed while a player like Witherspoon comes in for those scenarios.
These factors, combined with Fuller's expiring contract after next season, make the cornerback position one that Washington should certainly address in the NFL Draft.
And spending a first-round pick on a prospect like Witherspoon would be a step in the right direction toward securing the Commanders' defense for years to come.
Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82 and on the Locked On Commanders podcast.
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