The Jets announced that they have signed former Maryland cornerback Dexter McDougle to a four-year deal, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (on Twitter). McDougle was the club’s third-round pick. With the cornerback in the fold, the Jets have now inked all 12 of their draft picks from this year’s class, as shown in PFR’s running list.
The Jets, who cut Antonio Cromartie this offseason, must think highly of McDougle. The Jets passed on top CBs like Darqueze Dennard, Jason Verrett, and Bradley Roby in order to take Louisville safety Calvin Pryor in the first round. Rather than try and hit on the next tier of corners in the second round, they tabbed Texas A&M tight end Jace Amaro. After taking McDougle, the Jets didn’t select another corner until the sixth round.
As ESPNNewYork.com’s Rich Cimini recently wrote, Jets coach Rex Ryan wasn’t entirely sold on McDougle prior to the draft. However, his concerns were assuaged by defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman and others.