The New York Jets added a cornerback from within this past offseason, and the early results are promising.
After an underwhelming rookie season, Jarrick Bernard-Converse has started fresh in 2024. Drafted as a sixth-round safety out of LSU, the versatile defensive back has switched positions at the request of the Jets' coaching staff.
"He's a corner. We moved him back. We made the decision after the season when we were evaluating the roster and looking at the direction we wanted to go with our defense," said fourth-year head coach Robert Saleh one week into training camp.
Bernard-Converse, who played four seasons for Oklahoma State before transferring to LSU, made 25 starts at cornerback for the Big 12 Conference member. Thus far, his return to the position is paying dividends for the Jets.
The 24-year-old Bernard-Converse has performed well in practice by multiple accounts, including Saleh's. In New York's preseason opener against the Washington Commanders, the second-year pro produced some good game film that likely improve his chances of earning a backup role.
Although he showed textbook coverage on the play, Bernard-Converse surrendered a 42-yard bomb from Jayden Daniels on the Commanders' third snap from scrimmage. Bernard-Converse responded to that hard-luck moment by locking down opposing receivers the remainder of the day.
"JBC, that might be the coolest one from a defensive perspective because he did get hit on that go ball. It’s very easy to tank and get into your own head and play scared," said Saleh. "He still played chest-to-chest. He played tight coverage. He was still playing his press technique and made a lot of plays on the ball. I don’t think he gave up another one. Really proud of JBC and the way he bounced back after that go ball."
Bernard-Converse's next three tackles limited Washington to a total of 7 yards. He also forced an incompletion in pass coverage late in the first quarter.
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