NFL Draft

Jets go defense on Day 3

Admin - May 2, 2021

After going all offense on the first two days of the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Jets selected six defensive players on Day 3. The only addition to offense was North Carolina RB Michael Carter, whom the Gang Green drafted in the 4th round at #107 overall.

Carter is a smallish (5'8", 201 lbs) running back who's pretty elusive and a good blocker. He ran for over 1,000 yards in his last two NCAA seasons and was also occasionally used as a kickoff returner. He had zero fumbles last season. Carter is projected as a versatile 3rd down back.

S Jamien Sherwood from Auburn was the Gang Green's first defensive pick of the day (round 5, #146 overall). He played safety at Auburn but the Jets are going to use him as a linebacker. Sherwood had 75 tackles (44 solo), 1 sack and 2 fumble recoveries in 2020. He's listed at 6'2", 220 lbs and is expected to gain weight to play linebacker.

The Jets went for another Michael Carter with their next pick (round 5, #154 overall). This time they selected S Michael Carter II from Duke. He had 135 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, and a fumble recovery over four seasons.

Most expected GM Joe Douglas to select a cornerback way earlier in the draft but the Jets waited until late in the 5th round to finally pick a cornerback. They selected CB Jason Pinnock from Pittsburgh with their last 5th round choice (#175 overall). Pinnock, 6'0", 201 lbs, ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and led Pittsburgh with 3 interceptions in his senior year.

The Jets also had three selections in the 6th round and went all defense. First, they picked S Hamsah Nasirildeen from Florida State, who's also going to be used as a linebacker. He played only 2 games in his senior year after tearing his ACL in November of 2019. CB Brandin Echols from Kentucky was the next pick. He was a 2-year starter at Kentucky defending 12 passes and allowing 4 touchdowns in 24 games. DT Jonathan Marshall from Arkansas was the Gang Green's last selection. He should do pretty well in a 4-man defensive line that the Jets are expected to employ in the upcoming season. He had 6.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack in his senior season.