Jets general manager Joe Douglas turned his attention back to the defensive side of the ball in the fifth round of the draft, selecting Virginia cornerback Bryce Hall with the 158th pick.
Hall’s 2019 season ended prematurely due to a gruesome leg injury suffered while attempting to block a punt, but was one of the best cornerbacks in the ACC in 2018, earning all-conference honors and leading the country in pass deflections with 21. He finished his career at Virginia with 154 tackles, 38 pass breakups, and five interceptions.
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Hall had the talent to be a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft but opted to return to Virginia for his senior year. His injury facilitated a fall down draft boards, but as long as he can get back to full strength, the Jets might have landed themselves a steal.
With a new cornerback now in the fold, the Jets can turn their attention to addressing other positions of need, such as EDGE and interior offensive line, with their last two picks.