2022 NFL Draft: Grading the Jets’ No. 26 pick of Jermaine Johnson

The New York Jets traded up and selected Jermaine Johnson II with the 26th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. How will he do with the Jets?

After selecting Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner with the fourth overall pick, then selecting Garrett Wilson with the 10th overall pick, they traded up to select Jermaine Johnson out of Florida State.

While most draft experts thought he’d be a top 10 or 15 pick coming into the 2022 NFL Draft, he fell far, and the Jets ended up with him in the back half of the first round.

Johnson has had a tough road to the NFL. Originally heading off to community college, Johnson then transferred to Georgia in 2020. While he played well, he headed to Florida State last year to get more playing time.

Of course, play well he did. At FSU, he had 70 total tackles and 12 sacks and was ACC defensive player of the year.

To do that, he used his impressive wingspan and athletic ability to rip past offensive tackles with ease. All edge players need an inside move, and Johnson has that in bunches. Those inside moves were critical for him in the run game, and he’s the best run-stopping edge player in this draft.

How Jermaine Johnson fits into the Jets’ defensive scheme

The Jets needed an edge player badly. While Carl Lawson is a fine rusher, he’s gone through his third ACL tear since 2014, and they need insurance at the position. Johnson provides that safety blanket and could grow even more in the NFL.

While his ability to hold quarterback contain isn’t the best, that’s a very coachable trait. For a unit that allowed nearly 400 yards per game, they won’t complain if this high upside rusher is a bit raw at first.

Grade: B-