'Different' Jermaine Johnson Benefits from Offseason Transformation

Jets' 2022 first-round edge rusher showing 'explosion' in training camp

Jermaine Johnson looks different, feels different and stands ready to deliver different results in 2023.

The second-year pro spoke confidently from the podium after the New York Jets' first padded practice of training camp. 

"I just feel different. I feel ready to go," said Johnson on Tuesday. "I didn't see the Jermaine I know on film last year to be quite honest. It's pretty simple — work your butt off this offseason, be consistent. Work hard and make sure that's not the case next season."

Johnson, the No. 26 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, worked on both his physique and technique throughout the offseason that followed his rookie campaign. 

"I feel incredibly explosive," said Johnson. "My range of motion is really well. I worked a lot on my bend around the corner this offseason."

The 6-foot-5 edge rusher admitted to cutting body fat and adding muscle while preparing for Year 2 in the NFL.

"His body [is different]. I don’t know if you guys have noticed, he looks massive in a good way. He looks explosive, he’s very powerful," said third-year head coach Robert Saleh after Practice No. 4 Sunday. "Really expecting him to take a jump this year. Excited about where his mindset is, his confidence, his competitive spirt, all of it. He’s in a good place right now."

All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams noticed the change in Johnson's approach, and he elaborated on it while speaking from the podium on training camp report day last week.

"I'll give you one guy, Jermaine Johnson," said Williams. "A guy who scratched the surface last year and the different things he can do. He's bigger, stronger, faster. That young guy right there took the initiative this offseason to get way better. I for sure know he's going to have a breakout year."

Johnson is aware of where his shortcomings were in 2022 and has made the noticeable offseason adjustments with the hope of changing the results.

'Lack of explosion, lack of decisiveness, lack of confidence. It didn't sit well with me," said Johnson. "That's not me. I feel very confident that I'm going to put me on film this year."

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READ SI Selects Jermaine Johnson as Jets' Breakout Candidate

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He has started by showing sufficient explosion on practice film one week into training camp. 

During Sunday's session, which was open to spectators, Johnson notched a notable victory against veteran offensive tackle Billy Turner on a team rep while positioning himself for a sack.

With Denzel Mims going to the Detroit Lions, Johnson was able to claim the No. 11 jersey that he wore during his collegiate career. The edge rusher, who had 2.5 sacks over 14 appearances, donned No. 52 in 2022.

EDGE Jermaine Johnson (11) :: Twitter / @nyjets

"I've had that [number] every step of the way since high school, so to be back in my number, at the highest level, makes me feel that much better," said Johnson.

The first-round talent made a number change, but his role on the Jets' highly-rated defense remains the same.

"My job is to set edges and get to the quarterback," said Johnson. 

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