Jets' Young Projects in Secondary Stand-Out in OTAs

Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II make up one of the top cornerback trios in the NFL today. The New York Jets know they have a distinct advantage over many teams in their division and conference.

While all three starters are all under 30 years old, the Jets have also spent time producing and developing top talent behind them.

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Two of their top young projects are last year's sixth-round pick Jarrick Bernard Converse and fifth-round rookie Qwan'tez Stiggers. Through OTAs to this point, both Stiggers and JBC have shown more improvements that should make New York very pleased.

Both players produced multiple pass deflections during the third day of practice for the Jets on Thursday. While they are predictably going up against most of the backups on the offense, the fact that they continue to produce at all is a good sign that New York is ahead of schedule in the development of their young secondary.

Development has always been key for Gang Green.

New York has produced plenty of late-round steals on the defensive side of the ball. Whether it's Carter, Jamien Sherwood, Tony Adams, or even Bryce Huff, the Jets have shown a penchant for eyeing strong defensive talent and training them to become elite players.

It appears they are well on their way for some of their younger cornerbacks now.