2014 NFL Combine Preview: Five Secondary Players to Watch

Oct 6, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback

(16) against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

4. Stanley Jean-Baptiste (Cornerback)

School: Nebraska
Watch to Watch: Speed Turn Drill, 40-Time, Bench Press
2013 Stats: 35 tackles, four interceptions, 11 passes defended.
Met with Chiefs: Yes

Here’s the guy I’m most interested in heading into the combine.

Jean-Baptiste may be the Chiefs’ primary target at cornerback in the third round. The size, speed, and play-making ability combination is very evident. Technical abilities to play the position are still being iron out with him. Some of the reports on him from the bowl games reflect that he plays cornerback like he is still a wide receiver. In some ways that sounds a lot like Marcus Cooper. But fundamentals can be taught, being almost 6-3 with 4.4 speed cannot.

Jean-Baptiste hits really hard for a converted wide receiver. This is something that surprised me in his YouTube videos. I’m interested to see how he measures with the bench press, because he may have some deceptive strength in him. It should be noted, while he does hit hard, Jean-Baptiste isn’t the greatest tackler in the world, so there is work yet to be done there.

Should the Chiefs be able to develop his natural abilities for the cornerback position, Jean-Baptiste could be a very good defender. His play-making skills are evident, and the natural tools are crazy for a cornerback.