Jets' forgotten draft pick 'gaining confidence' during position change

It certainly wasn't a rookie season to remember for New York Jets ' defensive back Jarrick Bernard-Converse.

The 2023 sixth-round draft pick never practiced during training camp and started the regular season on the Reserve/PUP list. After the Jets activated him late last October, Bernard-Converse made eight appearances almost exclusively in a special teams role. The versatile safety saw only four defensive snaps as a rookie.

Heading into Year 2, Bernard-Converse transitions from safety to cornerback, a position he manned during his collegiate career.

"It was good to learn him [last year]. We had him at safety initially. Moved him to the corner this offseason," said Jets' head coach Robert Saleh after the team's first training camp practice.

Bernard-Converse caught the attention of reporters in the session that was open to media. Going against wide receiver Irv Charles in 7-on-7 drills, the defensive back broke up a pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

"He's a smart, young man, athletic, long," said Saleh. "He grinded back from his injury and you just see him slowly making progress and gaining confidence. Again, he's another guy that I'm excited to watch over the next month to see how he progresses."

The 24-year-old Bernard-Converse's versatility may be the reason why he sticks on the 53-man roster.

"He can play safety, he can play nickel, he can play outside," said general manager Joe Douglas after the Jets used the No. 204 overall selection on Bernard-Converse in April 2023.