SF 49ers: 5 cornerbacks who could replace Richard Sherman in 2021

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Benjamin St-Juste #25 of the Minnesota Gophers breaks up a pass intended for Jaron Woodyard #8 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Benjamin St.-Juste, Minnesota Golden Gophers

Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste’s collegiate career started at Michigan and then continued at Minnesota after he redshirted in 2018. St-Juste (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) finished his career as a Golden Gopher, where he amassed 59 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 11 passes defensed through 15 games during his final two seasons.

St-Juste has the size to be a good fit in either press-man coverage or occasional deep-third coverage packages. While he isn’t the most dynamic, athletically, or in top end speed, he does have the ability to contest the ball at a receiver’s catch point with consistency.

He also displayed his viability as a starting NFL corner at the Reece’s Senior Bowl, drawing rave reviews by making plays all week. It only helped to increase his draft stock.

Benjamin St Juste (@Benj_Juice ) has made himself some money this week here at @seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/HqcU8HaHSo
— Michael Schottey (@Schottey) January 28, 2021

Depending on what new defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans envisions in his starting cornerbacks, St-Juste could be a solid mid-round pick who could potentially become a starter in San Francisco.