Jaguars Select Texas A&M DB Antonio Johnson With No. 160 Pick
Antonio Johnson laid the hammer for three seasons in College Station. He'll now hope to bring the same mentality to Duval County.
Johnson, the hard-hitting defensive back that shined as a nickel defender for Texas A&M, was selected by the 160th overall on Saturday. Johnson joins a secondary that features highlight defenders, including Tyson Campbell, Rashawn Jenkins and Darious Williams.
A native of East St.Louis, Ill., Johnson forced his way into a starting role after impressing coaches during his freshman season. Following an injury to Devin Morris, A&M coach Jimbo Fisher elected to add a more physical presence to the run game in the SEC.
Johnson ended up holding down the nickel position all three years before electing to go pro following a 5-7 finish. His best season came in 2021 when he registered 78 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, five pass deflections and a forced fumble. He finished his career with 164 stops, 14 tackles for losses seven pass breakups and four forced fumbles.
Despite primarily lining up in the nickel, Johnson is versatile enough to play various roles in a secondary. Coming out of high school, Johnson was listed as a four-star prospect at strong safety.
"I can go with the best of them," Johnson said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month. "Every one of those plays just shows the type of player I can be. Versatile."
Johnson posted a 4.52 40-time, ninth-fastest in his position. He finished with a 31-inch vertical and a 9-foot-8 broad jump. He also looked smooth in drills, working in and out of his backpedal while maneuvering downhill.
"Me being versatile and being able to make plays all around the field, in the box, in the passing game, it just makes me me," said Johnson on why he could be this year's top safety prospect during A&M's Pro Day in March.
Johnson becomes the second A&M player selected Friday evening. Running back Devon Achane, a human highlight reel with home run speed and the ability to be effective in the return game, was selected in the third round by the Miami Dolphins at pick No. 84.
In Jacksonville, Johnson should provide versatility as a standout run defender with upside in coverage. Last season, the Jaguars ended their four-year playoff drought under new coach Doug Pederson and former No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence.
Johnson and Jacksonville met during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month and began a dialogue. During the pre-draft scouting, Johnson had been a fan favorite in mock drafts to land with one of Jacksonville's early selections.
Defensive back Jaylon Jones is expected to come off the board in the early rounds Saturday.
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