The New York Jets have experimented with a few players this off-season, moving them around between different positions.
For one such individual, the change brought on by the Jets staff has resulted in quite a positive way in terms of his on-field production. Jarrick Bernard-Converse entered the NFL as a full-time safety, then played as a hybrid defensive back for all of last season. Now, Bernard-Converse has switched and become a full-time cornerback, a change that might alter the trajectory of his career.
New York Jets Cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse Displaying Full Ability Throughout Preseason
One bright spot for the Jets this preseason and throughout camp has been second-year cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse. Bernard-Converse, a former sixth-round draft pick from LSU, played his collegiate football as a coverage safety. After being drafted by the Jets, the staff chose to convert the player into a hybrid, serving time as a cornerback in specific sets.
After spending last season in that role, the Jets chose to convert Bernard-Converse into a full-time cornerback, believing that would be his best route to the field. Thus far into the transition, Bernard-Converse has excelled, recording eight tackles and a pass defense in two preseason games this season. With time winding down before the start of the regular season, Bernard-Converse is working to find a way onto the field for the Jets this season.
Bernard-Converse Adjusting on the go During Conversion to Cornerback
The road to becoming a cornerback has not been an easy one for Bernard-Converse, but it certainly could be a successful one. The defensive back was recruited as a three-star safety out of high school and committed to Oklahoma State before eventually signing with them. The Louisiana native later transferred to in-state powerhouse LSU to end his collegiate career, where he played as a hybrid safety-cornerback for the Tigers.
Bernard-Converse has no real training as a cornerback, nor does he have a real extensive background as one. However, the new cornerback does bring exceptional coverage skills and a willingness to play physical football, which the Jets staff has loved. Bernard-Converse is also a solid tackler and certainly a great tackler for the position of cornerback.
Can Jarrick Bernard-Converse Secure a Starting Role on the Jets in the Future?
Bernard-Converse is excelling as a cornerback but is still a raw technical player with some adjustments that need to be made. What Bernard-Converse truly has going for him currently is his physicality as a cornerback and his ability to bully wide receivers. The cornerback played last season as a reserve player and spent much of the season working on his technical skills, but still has a ways to go.
Eventually becoming a starter for the Jets, whether it be later this season or next season, is not out of the question for Bernard-Converse given his development. The defensive back has switched between two different styles of play and learned on the fly from the staff. With his role established this season and the Jets committed to making Bernard-Converse a full-time cornerback, the athlete should develop at a much faster rate this season.
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