The New York Jets are relying heavily on a collection of young players to break their massive playoff drought. One of those players is rookie edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. The Florida State product, who was picked 26th overall by New York in the 2022 NFL Draft, could be a huge piece to the defense along with fourth overall pick Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.
Ahead of his beginning with the Jets, the new key piece According to Jack Bell of NewYorkJets.com, Johnson sounded reminiscent of Cersei Lannister from Game of Thrones, choosing violence to describe his mindset in the trenches.
“My mindset is violence,” Johnson, taken at No. 26 overall last week in the 2020 NFL Draft after the Jets traded back into the first round to nab the Florida State star. “There's no pretty boy work in the trenches. It's fun to sack the quarterback, but first and second down are primarily runs, so you have to earn the right to rush the passer. You have to be violent.”
After two middling years with Georgia, Johnson blossomed at FSU. He recorded 70 tackles, 11.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two passes defended in 12 games. The Jets traded up to land him. For a team that needed help rushing the passer, Johnson is a great fit.
In the eyes of the Jets, getting to select Johnson felt like receiving a Christmas gift. While much of the attention around New York will go to Zach Wilson and rookie wideout Garrett Wilson, Johnson could make a name for himself very early on. He should be able to be a key contributor to the next great Jets squad.
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