In his 3 years at Nebraska, newly acquired Detroit Lions practice squad member Stanley Jean-Baptiste contributed in 36 games, starting 19 at cornerback. Credited with 74 tackles, 22 pass break-ups and seven interceptions.
His 2014 draft evaluation by NFL.com summarized: “A converted receiver, Jean-Baptiste possesses intriguing ball skills, rare leaping ability and clear upside, though he lacks ideal speed and flexibility, is smoother than he is sudden and does not consistently play to his size. Warrants developmental consideration from teams employing press or Cover 2, and will be in demand given the league’s trend toward bigger defensive backs.”
His measurements from the NFL Combine and Nebraska’s Pro Day illustrate why he appeals to NFL teams:
Feb 25, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Stanley Jean-Baptiste catches a pass during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
At 6’2 5/8”, 218 pounds with an arm length of 32 5/8” he fits the preferred profile. He ran a 4.61 40 yard dash at the combine and improved that time to 4.45 at Nebraska’s Pro Day. His 1.55 10 yard split shows his acceleration, the only current Detroit Lions cornerback that had a faster split was Darius Slay at 1.52. His Vertical Jump 41.5” and Broad Jump 10’8” illustrate his lower body explosion and both jumps were greater than any current Lions cornerback.
Most NFL draft sites gave Jean-Baptiste a draft grade of round 3 or 4, because he was (and still is) a developmental player. The New Orleans Saints saw enough potential to him to select him in the 2nd round (pick 58) of the 2014 NFL draft. His Rookie year was quiet, only being an active player in 4 games and played a mere 19 defensive snaps. His struggles continued in the pre-season and resulted in his release from New Orleans last Saturday.
Developmental prospects need two main things to be successful: coaching and time to develop.
Coaching
Stanley Jean-Baptiste situation in New Orleans was not ideal for his development. While Saints Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan has 17 years NFL experience, he only 2 exclusively coaching defensive backs. Defensive backs position coach Wesley McGriff is in his first NFL job, has 2 years NFL experience, and is responsible for both cornerbacks and safeties.
Detroit on the other hand, has a coaching staff that is ideal for the development of a player of his skill set. Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has 12 years NFL experience, 2 as DC of the Lions and 10 focusing exclusively on cornerbacks. He was the position coach at the start of several successful cornerback’s careers.
In Arizona, he coached Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as a rookie in 2007 and developed him into a starter for their 2008 Super Bowl championship. Lightning struck twice, while in Baltimore he coached Jimmy Smith during his 2011 rookie campaign and developed him into a starter for their 2012 Super Bowl championship.
Now in Detroit, he took over after Darius Slay’s difficult rookie year and immediately aided in his development into his current starting role.
Austin isn’t alone either. The Detroit Lions staff has two position coaches assigned to the defensive backs. Defensive backs/Cornerbacks coach Tony Oden has 12 years NFL coaching experience, seven as an assistant defensive backs coach and five as a cornerbacks coach. Defensive backs/Safeties coach Allen Williams has coached in the NFL for 12 years spending 11 coaching defensive backs and one as the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator.
Detroit Lions. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Time to Develop
As a 2nd round pick Jean-Baptiste was expected to perform like one in New Orleans. Rookie cornerbacks historically struggle in their first year and Jean-Baptiste was no different, but New Orleans didn’t see enough development for him to warrant a spot on their 53-man roster.
In Detroit he will have a chance to develop on the practice squad. He can learn the nuances game from an experienced coaching staff and develop his skills without the pressure he faced in New Orleans. With patience, hard work, Jean-Baptiste has a nice opportunity in Detroit to develop into a quality NFL player.
Next: Lions return man still to be determined