2023 NFL Draft: Jets Add Defensive Back with Second Sixth-Round Pick

Versatile Power 5 Conference product Jarrick Bernard-Converse brings big-game production

The New York Jets used a Day 3 selection to strengthen their defensive backfield depth at the 2023 National Football League Draft. 

LSU product Jarrick Bernard-Converse went to Gang Green in the bottom half of Round 6 at No. 204 overall. The selection was acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders earlier in the day. 

"Jarrick Bernard-Converse, JBC, versatility – he can play safety, he can play nickel, he can play outside," said Jets' general manager Joe Douglas.

It's viewed as a smart tactic to invest late-round picks in defensive backs considering how pass happy the NFL has become in recent years. With Bernard-Converse coming to town, the Jets are getting a well-traveled defender that made 64 collegiate appearances (56 starts) in five years. 

"He’s played a lot of football and obviously, the talent speaks for itself," said Douglas, who completed his fourth draft as the organization's GM.

The 6-foot Bernard-Converse put his versatility on display during his lone season in Baton Rouge. After transferring from Oklahoma State, the Louisiana native split time at safety and cornerback in 2022. He totaled 13 appearances (nine starts) for the Tigers.

"He can play all three spots in the backend, so we’re excited to get him here," said head coach Robert Saleh. "One thing I will tell you is he does fit the mindset that we play with on defense."

Bernard-Converse played well in key spots last season. He picked off a pass against Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. Earlier in the season, the ball hawk powered LSU to an overtime win over Alabama with two tackles, three passes defensed and one red-zone interception.

"We know he can play multiple schemes. He’s very, very smart, extremely instinctive," said Saleh. "Once we get him here and see him move around, we’ll see him in rookie minicamp, phase two, and we’ll build from there." 

Making the day even more unforgettable for Bernard-Converse, he turned 23 years old on Saturday and celebrated his birthday by getting the call from the NFL. 

having your draft day on your birthday >>>

HBD @TheJBnard 🎉🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/gdwad74P1Y

— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 29, 2023

JETS' 2023 DRAFTEE

ROUND 6 (No. 204 overall)

Jarrick Barnard-Converse, DB, LSU 

Ht: 6006 | Wt: 196 | Hand: 0968 | Arm: 3228 | Wing: 7918 | 40: 4.40 

NFL Draft Bible Excerpt: "He possesses excellent speed and recovery quickness. In addition, Bernard-Converse has fluid athleticism and hips, along with great smarts. The Shreveport native is a physical corner who will step up in the run game. Bernard-Converse demonstrated toughness this past season, battling through a handful of nagging injuries."

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