2014 NFL Draft Profile: Stanley Jean-Baptiste, CB Nebraska
By Adam Carlson
Oct 6, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste (16) against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nebraska cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste is one of the most interesting prospects in this year’s draft. He has the potential to develop into one of the top cornerbacks in the league, but could also be moved to safety if a team wanted to take a safer approach to him.
Jean-Baptiste really came into his own last year. After working hard to earn the starting role over several years at Nebraska, he shined during the Senior Bowl and the combine. While having great showings in small periods is good, a lot of teams might see him as a gamble since he lacks the experience and polish of some of the other prospects in this year’s class.
At 6’3″ and 218 pounds, Stanley Jean-Baptiste is a cornerback in a wide receiver’s body. When you add in his arm length and leaping ability, he becomes a large defensive player that can match up against even the biggest receivers in the NFL.
Here are his statistics over 3 years at Nebraska:
Oct 6, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste (16) defends a pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith (15) in the third quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
74 total tackles
50 solo tackles
3 tackles for loss
1 sack
7 interceptions
2 defensive touchdowns
25 passes defended
If his statistics look a little underwhelming, that’s because he was only a full time starter at cornerback for one year. In addition to that, he was brougt in to Nebraska as a wide receiver in 2011, but converted to cornerback after getting only one reception for seven yards.
Strengths
- Great height and size
- Good top speed
- Patient in coverage
- Shows good anticipation
Weaknesses
- Could be more physical
- Lacks elite accelleration
- One year starter at college level
Fit For The Vikings
Minnesota lost one of their starting cornerbacks to free agency and look to replace and upgrade upon him in this draft.
My Take
I’ll admit, I love Stanley Jean-Baptiste. I think he’s one of the cornerbacks that has been overlooked in this year’s draft and is definitely a starting caliber player. I think he’d be excellent opposite Xavier Rhodes in Minnesota.