SI Picks 2022 First-Round Defensive End as Jets' Breakout Candidate

Second-year surge predicted for Gang Green's 'emerging' edge rusher

He flashed his potential during limited playing time as a rookie, and, by multiple accounts, the second-year pro is primed to break out.

Making the last of their three 2022 first-round selections, the New York Jets drafted Florida State's Jermaine Johnson at No. 26 overall. 

Despite never playing more than 50 percent of defensive snaps in any of his 14 rookie appearances, the edge rusher showed promise in the rotational role while recording 29 tackles and 2.5 sacks. 

The 6-foot-5 Johnson also made his presence felt on special teams, totaling 109 snaps highlighted by a punt block for a safety against the division champion Buffalo Bills.

Following up its "32 Teams in 32 Days" series, the Sports Illustrated national staff unveiled a collection of breakout candidates across the league. Johnson was the choice for the Jets, representing Gang Green on the list of "emerging players."

DE Jermaine Johnson at OTAs in May / © Jonathan Jones-USA TODAY Sports

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From "One Breakout Player to Watch on All 32 NFL Teams":

New York Jets

Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II

This was a tough pick, because most of the Jets’ younger players experienced breakout seasons last year, including Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson, two 2022 first-round picks. But some might have forgotten that Johnson was the Jets’ third first-round pick that year. Johnson only played 34% percent of the Jets’ defensive snaps as a rookie, but he often flashed as a polished playmaker with 2.5 sacks, 29 total tackles and five quarterback hits. After waiting his turn behind Carl Lawson and John Franklin-Myers, Johnson could be next in line to shine under Saleh’s guidance. For bonus candidates, Bryce Huff and rookie Will McDonald IV could also be impact players on the Jets’ defensive front.

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All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams almost definitely agrees with SI's take.

Set for his fifth season with the Green & White, the newly-extended Williams mentioned Johnson while addressing reporters on training camp report day. 

"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."

Williams received a four-year contract extension, reportedly worth $96 million, last week. He set career highs in sacks (12.0) and quarterback hits (28) in 2022.

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