2023 NFL Draft: Back to Defense, Jets Select Western Michigan's Zaire Barnes in Round 6

After trading into the sixth round, Gang Green bolstered the defensive depth chart with linebacker pick

Joe Douglas and Co. finally went back to the defensive side of the ball in Round 6 at the 2023 NFL Draft.

After selecting a defensive end at No. 15 overall on Thursday night, the New York Jets general manager went offense with the team's next three picks. Douglas' focus returned to defense midway through Saturday afternoon.

Western Michigan linebacker Zaire Barnes was the first of Gang Green's two sixth-round draft choices, going off the board at No. 184 overall. 

"Adding Zaire Barnes from Western Michigan – another guy who is going to be a really good fit in Robert [Saleh] and Coach [Jeff] Ulbrich’s defense with size, length, speed, toughness, versatility," said Douglas in a post-draft press conference on Saturday.

Barnes ended his WMU career by earning back-to-back All-Mid-American Conference selections, making 25 appearances over the past two years. 

"He played a style of defense that’s a little bit different than ours and they asked him to blitz a lot," said head coach Robert Saleh. "They do a lot of stuff at Western (Michigan) and it was good, they play good defense over there."

In 2022, the athletic linebacker made a team-high 94 tackles to go along with eight pass break-ups and three fumble recoveries (12 games). One year earlier, Barnes made for a memorable performance in a win over ACC member Pitt, making 10 stops and recovering two fumbles.

The 6-foot-1 Barnes, who has 4.56 (40-yard dash) speed, caught the attention of scouts at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in Pasadena this past January. 

"He [Barnes] is incredibly smart, very instinctive," said Saleh.

Despite his late-round draft status, Barnes could see the field sooner than later. 

"He’s going to come in here and get an opportunity to compete for that third spot and contribute on special teams and see where he takes it," said Saleh. "Really, really excited about that kid."

JETS' 2023 DRAFTEE

ROUND 6 (No. 184 overall)

Zaire Barnes, LB, Western Michigan 

Ht: 6013 | Wt: 233 | Hand: 0900 | Arm: 3200 |Wing: 7638 |40: 4.56 

NFL Draft Bible Excerpt: "An explosive linebacker with great range, Barnes flashes the footwork, hips, motor and balls skills to be a highly effective run and chase tackler who can also drop back in coverage. While he is not overly physical or rugged and instincts are just adequate, Barnes demonstrates extremely impressive movement skills."

Western Michigan's Zaire Barnes (3) against Pitt / Kimberly Moss-USA TODAY Sports

RELEVANT LINKS:

Jets' Draft Tracker: Logging the Picks as They Happen

Iowa State 'Cyclone Boys' Ready to Fuel Jets

Jets Country 2023 Offseason Personnel Tracker