NY Jets showing a lot of interest in Baylor LB Terrel Bernard

Justin Fried

NY Jets, Terrel Bernard / Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Jets are showing some interest in the upcoming linebacker class, and one player who they've done their homework on is Baylor linebacker Terrel Bernard.

The Jets are one of a few teams that Bernard has spoken to "the most so far," per source. Bernard is widely considered to be a Day 2 or 3 prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft and he fits the profile of the type of linebacker the Jets are looking for.

The linebacker position remains one of the most underrated needs currently on the Jets' roster heading into the draft, especially after failing to address it in free agency.

Bernard makes plenty of sense as a potential early Day 3 target who could step in and contribute early in his career. And everything about his game suits what the Jets want from their linebackers.

Baylor LB Terrel Bernard has spoken to the #Jets, #Texans, #Bills, and #Buccaneers “the most so far,” per source.

Bernard, a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2021, is a projected Day 2 or 3 draft pick.
— Justin Fried (@JustinTFried) April 11, 2022

Terrel Bernard would be a great fit for the NY Jets

At barely 6-foot-1, 224 pounds, Bernard lacks ideal size for the linebacker position, but the Jets have actually shown a propensity for smaller linebackers in the past.

What he lacks in size he more than makes up for with sideline-to-sideline speed, a hot motor, and highly-touted leadership qualities. Baylor head coach Dave Aranda referred to Bernard as the "heart, soul, and character" of his team, and it's easy to see why when watching the tape.

Bernard is always around the ball whether in pass coverage or in run defense. A three-year starter, Bernard developed into one of the leaders of that Baylor team and was named a team captain for his senior season.

The 22-year-old is a two-time second-team All-Big 12 selection and was named first-team All-Big 12 this past year after leading his team with 103 tackles and racking up a whopping 7.5 sacks despite playing off-ball linebacker.

Bernard is a speedy, undersized, high-character linebacker prospect who fits the Jets' defensive scheme to a tee. It's no surprise to learn that they're as interested as they are.

Don't be surprised if the Jets target him in the middle rounds of this year's draft.

Justin Fried

Justin Fried is an editor for FanSided who has over seven years of experience covering the NFL and various other sports. A diehard Jets fan since birth, Justin has served as the editor for The Jet Press since 2019, interviewing athletes such as Sauce Gardner, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe Klecko, and many others. Justin has also worked closely with brands like Red Bull to help highlight the niche sectors of the sporting world. His four-part series on the sport of breaking remains one of his proudest pieces of work. In his spare time, Justin is an avid pro wrestling fan who is fortunate enough to have traveled to nearly 30 different countries.