New York Jets Cap Off Draft Class With Three More Defenders in Sixth Round

The New York Jets finish their 2021 NFL draft class by taking defensive backs Hamsah Nasirildeen, Brandin Echols and tackle Jonathan Marshall in the sixth round

Max Goodman | May 1, 2021

The Jets started Day 3 of the NFL draft with a running back, their fourth offensive player picked in a row dating back to the first round.

From that point on, all the way through New York's final pick, general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh went with six consecutive defenders.

In the fifth round, it was three defensive backs for the Jets. Auburn safety Jamien Sherwood (who was listed at linebacker by New York), Duke defensive back Michael Carter II and Pittsburgh cornerback Jason Pinnock.

Douglas, Saleh and the Jets built upon that group even further in the sixth.

New York started at pick No. 186 with another versatile defensive back, Hamsah Nasirildeen of Florida State. Similar to Sherwood, Gang Green listed the prospect as a linebacker.

Over 35 games at FSU, Nasirildeen accumulated 233 tackles. Nearly half of that number (101) came in the defensive back's third year, a season in which Nasirildeen had two interceptions, three forced fumbles and three passes defended.

From there, the Jets snagged another cornerback at No. 200, taking Kentucky's Brandin Echols. The corner played in 24 collegiate games, racking up 108 tackles, 12 passes defended and one interception in that span.

He's the third corner for the Jets in this class, a group that will join the likes of Bryce Hall, Bless Austin, Javelin Guidry, Carter and more.

Finally, New York transitioned from the secondary to the defensive line. Wrapping up a 10-man class, the Jets drafted Arkansas defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall with the No. 207 pick.

Marshall played in 34 games over four years at Arkansas but he saved his best single-season performance for last. In 2020, Marshall set new career highs with one sack, 35 tackles (6.5 for loss) and one forced fumble.

The Jets did a lot to bolster their defensive line in free agency, but Marshall can learn from a player like Quinnen Williams.

Douglas clearly had a plan heading into this draft. He had his eye on a handful of offensive contributors through the first two rounds, trading up in the first to get a top guard to help protect his new rookie quarterback. Once New York got through the fourth round, it was all defense, all the time, seeking out value on the board with an emphasis on versatile players that can be used in different ways and fit well in Saleh's scheme.

Follow Max Goodman on Twitter (@MaxTGoodman), on Facebook (also @MaxTGoodman), be sure to bookmark Jets Country and check back daily for news, analysis and more.

Published May 1, 2021

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.