Jets and Jarrick Bernard-Converse Agree to Rookie Contract

The sixth-round pick becomes the first drafted rookie to officially sign with Gang Green

Author:
Ralph Ventre
Publish date:
May 5, 2023 7:26 AM EDT

In this story:

New York Jets

LSU Tigers

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Jarrick Bernard-Converse and the New York Jets have made it official.

The sixth-round draft choice has signed his rookie contract, the team announced on Thursday. The LSU defensive back was the second of Gang Green’s two sixth-round selections last Saturday, coming off the board at No. 204 overall.

The 6-foot defensive back was a four-year contributor for Oklahoma State before transferring to LSU for the 2022 season. He accumulated experience at both safety and cornerback over the course of his five-year collegiate career.

“I feel like I’m an all-around DB, pretty versatile,” said Bernard-Converse. “I can play anywhere in the secondary. I feel like I have good instincts, I use my length and I have good speed.”

Bernard-Converse claimed to have developed a better understanding of the game thanks to his position flexibility.

“It just expanded my mind and challenged me to learn more than one position and that was corner. I feel like playing safety helped me gain more knowledge of the game,” said Bernard-Converse.

Jets’ head coach Robert Saleh recognized the rookie’s versatility during his post-draft press conference.

“He can play all three spots in the backend, so we’re excited to get him here,” said Saleh.

Signed, sealed and delivered, Bernard-Converse will be in the building for the Jets’ upcoming three-day rookie minicamp and Saleh will have the chance to see where the rookie best fits on defense.

"Once we get him here and see him move around, we’ll see him in rookie minicamp, phase two, and we’ll build from there," said Saleh.

Should Bernard-Converse have to put in some special teams work upon arrival, he’s ready and willing.

“Special teams is part of the game and it’s just as important as offense and defense,” said the 23-year old defensive back. “I valued it highly, and I feel like I’m pretty good on special teams, so I’m looking to contribute.”

Playing 13 games (9 starts) for LSU in 2022, Bernard-Converse made for a couple memorable moments. He picked off a pass against Purdue in the Citrus Bowl. Earlier in the season, the ball hawk powered LSU to an overtime win over Alabama with two tackles, three passes defensed and one red-zone interception.

The well-traveled defensive back totaled 64 appearances (56 starts) combining his time at OSU and LSU.

“One thing I will tell you is he does fit the mindset that we play with on defense and very smart, good communicator, very smart," said Saleh.

JETS' 2023 DRAFTEE

ROUND 6 (No. 204 overall)

Jarrick Barnard-Converse, DB, LSU

Ht: 6006 | Wt: 196 | Hand: 0968 | Arm: 3228 | Wing: 7918 | 40: 4.40

NFL Draft Bible Excerpt: "He possesses excellent speed and recovery quickness. In addition, Bernard-Converse has fluid athleticism and hips, along with great smarts. The Shreveport native is a physical corner who will step up in the run game. Bernard-Converse demonstrated toughness this past season, battling through a handful of nagging injuries."