The Jets decided to go with a defensive back with some positional versatility for their first pick of the third round.
After addressing offensive tackle by taking Louisville’s Mekhi Becton with the 11th pick on Thursday night and adding a weapon for Sam Darnold to work with in Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims, Jets general manager Joe Douglas turned his attention to the defensive side of the ball, selecting California’s Ashtyn Davis with the 68th pick.
In four years at California, Davis, who is known for his coverage skills, recorded 166 tackles, 12 pass deflections and seven interceptions. Davis spent his final two seasons of college football playing safety but lined up at cornerback his first two years at Cal. He was also a cornerback recruit coming out of high school.
The Jets are set at safety with Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, meaning Davis’ future with New York likely lies at cornerback. As long as everything goes as expected with his development this offseason, there is a good chance Davis opens 2020 opposite Pierre Desir as a starting outside corner.
With Douglas addressing the offensive line, selecting a wide receiver and netting a new defensive back, Douglas must now shift his focus to landing a pass rusher. Interior offensive line and running back also remain positions Douglas is likely to target as the draft progresses.
