HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -In the end, the New York Jets traded a draft pick to themselves.
New York reacquired the fourth-rounder they sent to Green Bay on the draft’s first day and selected versatile San Jose State cornerback Dwight Lowery at No. 113 on Sunday.
Lowery will help fill one of the needs the Jets had entering the draft by giving coach Eric Mangini a player who can be used at both cornerback and safety, as well as someone who can return punts.
“I’m just coming into this situation trying to put my best out there for the New York Jets and see where they put me,” Lowery said. “It’s really out of my hands.”
The Jets traded down Sunday to take Lowery when they dealt their fourth-round pick (No. 102) to the Packers for Green Bay’s fourth- (No. 113) – New York’s original pick – and fifth-round (No. 162) selections. New York traded the 113th pick, along with its second-round pick, for Green Bay’s first-round selection Saturday.
After two productive years playing free safety at Cabrillo College, Lowery transferred to San Jose State and became the Spartans’ starting left cornerback.
“We like his versatility,” said Joey Clinkscales, the Jets’ director of college scouting. “We think he’s a guy who can come in and have a chance to compete.”
While his man-coverage skills are considered average, his nose for making plays on the football is superb. Lowery tied for the NCAA lead with nine interceptions in 13 games as a junior at San Jose State, and he added four last season – even after breaking his jaw while tackling a running back two days before spring practice. The 5-foot-11 defensive back, whose jaw was wired shut for seven weeks after the hit, finished with 26 interceptions in four college seasons.
“Well, he’s done it in the past and we’re predicting that he’ll be able to do it at this level,” Clinkscales said. “His history says he’ll be able to intercept the ball.”
Lowery could potentially compete for the right cornerback spot to play opposite Darrelle Revis, last year’s first-round pick. The Jets also have veteran David Barrett, Justin Miller, Drew Coleman and Andrew Woolfolk at cornerback.
“As long as you’re in a good situation, and I feel like I will be with the New York Jets, you can’t ask for anything more than that,” Lowery said.
The Jets selected Ohio State defensive end Vernon Gholston with the sixth overall pick, and took Purdue tight end Dustin Keller at No. 30 after the trade with the Packers. They also had picks in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.
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