With the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the New York Jets draft Jermaine Johnson II, edge rusher, out of Florida State. Johnson is a terrific run stopper and possesses tremendous athleticism as a pass rusher off the edge. His endurance stacks up against any of the top edge rushers in this year’s draft class. Let’s take a closer look at the Jets’ newest pass rusher.
Jermaine Johnson Highlights
Jets Draft Jermaine Johnson II | 2022 NFL Draft Profile
Jermaine Johnson II
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 254 lbs
Age: 23
College: Florida State Seminoles
Jermaine Johnson Draft Profile
Strengths
Jermaine Johnson II put his head on straight and showed the work ethic to go from junior college all the way to Florida State. This work ethic and high motor were seen on the field as well, averaging an insane 61 snaps per game last season. He plays the run well, setting the edge exactly as he was coached. Johnson also has great flexibility and bend on the edge, dipping below tackles when rushing the passer despite being 6-5.
Weaknesses
Johnson is fundamentally strong and very coachable, but he’s not a phenomenal athlete. He lacks the twitchiness and first step needed to be an elite rusher in the NFL. Johnson also has the tendency to get too high, and he has too many wasted movements.
RELATED | Full Jermaine Johnson II NFL Draft Profile and Highlights
Jermaine Johnson Stats 2021 | Florida State
| G | Tkl | TFL | Sacks | FF |
| 12 | 70 | 17.5 | 11.5 | 2 |
What to Expect From Jermaine Johnson in 2022
Many NFL Draft analysts had Jermaine Johnson pegged as a surefire top-15 pick. The reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year slid down the actual draft board, and the New York Jets traded up to snag him. Mind you, this was a Jets defense that was historically bad last season. One of the big reasons for this was the absence of any sort of pass rush. Johnson will certainly provide a boost in this department as a rookie. He will slot in alongside the likes of Quinnen Williams and Carl Lawson on the Jets’ defensive front.
