NY Jets: Grade and analysis for all 10 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft

Round 6, 200th Overall, NY Jets: Brandin Echols, CB, Kentucky

The sixth and seventh rounds are all about taking chances on developmental projects and that’s just what the Jets did by selecting Kentucky cornerback Brandin Echols at this spot.

Echols tore it up at his pro day running a blazing 4.36 40-yard dash and posting a ridiculous 42.5-inch vertical. He has elite athletic traits which offset the fact that he’s still growing as a cornerback.

The former JUCO standout didn’t switch to receiver until college giving him plenty of room to develop. He’s a major project, but someone worth taking a chance on at this stage.

Grade: C+

Round 6, 207th Overall, NY Jets: Jonathan Marshall, DT, Arkansas

One of the sneakier good picks the Jets made in this draft came with their final selection, that of Arkansas defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall. The aforementioned Echols is an elite athlete — but Marshall is a once-in-a-generation athlete.

Marshall ran an absurd 4.81 40-yard dash at his pro day despite measuring in at 310 pounds. He posted a 99.9 relative athlete score which is the second-highest among any defensive tackle since 1987.

The 23-year-old played out of position at Arkansas with his former team using him as more of a true nose tackle. He projects best as a developmental three-technique and could receive playing time in his rookie season, despite a stacked interior defensive line.

Grade: B