5 Saints Players Who Desperately Need A Good Pre-Season
Cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste
Jun 11, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste (33) during minicamp at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
It may seem crazy or brash for the Saints to part ways with their project second round player in his sophomore year, but I wouldn’t rule it out.
I will give Jean-Baptiste this though, the reviews have been slightly better for him so far in camp compared to last year.
But credit defensive backs whisperer Dennis Allen’s arrival for some of the maturation involved in this process.
Jean-Baptiste seems like a player who responds to one-on-one tutelage and patience versus the high octane version of coaching found in defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.
The Advocate’s Nick Underhill noted in OTA’s that Jean-Baptiste’s movements seemed more fluid such as being able to flip his hips correctly and run with a receiver.
As Underhill noted, it’s all about the small victories especially with a player like Jean-Baptiste who converted to the NFL after entering college as a wide receiver then switching to cornerback.
There have been hiccups though as a few touchdowns have sailed over his head in camp but his response has seemed to be to come back with a stronger day following that.
While it’s not his fault, Jean-Baptiste has many expectations placed on him for this year and if he can’t even crack the special teams roster then his spot on the could be in jeopardy.
A strong preseason should be just what he needs to not only stay on the roster, but build confidence as well moving forward…….