Jermaine Johnson, New York Jets, 2022 NFL draft, Blewett's Blitz
Jermaine Johnson, New York Jets, 2022 NFL draft, Blewett's Blitz, Jet X Graphic, Getty Images

Does Jermaine Johnson’s game film match the hype?

The New York Jets having the ability to land one of the premiere edge rushers—either Aidan Hutchinson or Kayvon Thibodeaux—is the current NFL draft dream at No. 4.

Although many fans have already written that possibility off, the mindset of the day should be to assume the worst and hope for the best. And this leads us to the next tier of pass rushers, George Karlaftis and Jermaine Johnson.

We recently covered Karlaftis’s college tape, and it became clear that his hypothetical selection at No. 10 would be no consolation prize for Joe Douglas and company. But what about the other guy, the Florida State edge rusher?

The full Jermaine Johnson film breakdown is available to all readers at the bottom of this article. 

Jermaine Johnson helped his cause in a major way at the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl. He seemingly raised his stock from a late first-round or early second-round selection to a possible top-10 pick, while turning an incredible number of heads in the process.

Although Senior Bowl performances are a tricky thing—as those narratives have hurt teams in prior years—Johnson’s collegiate tape is worth the hype.

Johnson’s film tells a particular story worth sharing, as this is especially the case for edge rushers and wide receivers. The way the Senior Bowl practices are formatted, those position groups are poised to dominate.

Nevertheless, answers were found when analyzing the kid’s game film.

Is Jermaine Johnson worth the 10th overall pick? Is he getting too much hype? How does he stack up against the other top edge rushers?

All of this, including much more, is discussed in the latest edition of Blewett’s Blitz (over an hour of film breakdown).

Jermaine Johnson YouTube Clip and Podcast Episode

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

  • Length
  • Burst off the line
  • Stacks blockers well in the run game
  • Pop in hands
  • Effort
  • Smart against the run, reads and misdirection
  • Sets strong edge
  • Lateral agility
  • Active hands
  • Uses his length against the rushing attack
  • Rush moves include swipes, chops, bull-jerk, spins, long arms, leaping chop/swipes
  • Tackle radius
  • Snap timing/coil
  • Quick
  • Power in hand control of o-lineman
  • Bring some thump behind hits
  • Ankle flexion
  • Motor
  • Change of direction

Weaknesses

  • Inconsistent leverage
  • Needs more direct bull rush angles
  • Lacks consistent pass rush plan
  • Needs to eat up more ground while trying to soften rush angles
  • Good but not great athlete (bend/twitch)
  • Not sure what his calling card is
  • Raw in many pass rush aspects
  • Needs to be more forceful with hands as a pass rusher
  • Rarely saw him take the inside as rusher
  • Needs to use an array of pass rush moves more often
  • Can force spin moves
  • Can struggle to disengage once engaged
  • Hand placement can be high and wide
  • Too often relies on short strides/crossovers as he approaches offensive lineman
  • Bullrush cut short because of leverage
  • Little tight as he corners
  • Can read tackles set more consistently
  • Average flexibility

Full Film Breakdown

Audio Version available to members only: Learn more here


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You may know Joe Blewett from his wildly-popular film breakdowns and podcasts on websites including Turn on the Jets and Jet Nation. His ability to analyze film is second to none. From a player on the field in high school (FS/CB/WR/RB) to working with former NFL players including Marcus Coleman and Erik McMillan, as well as many hours of studying, Joe brings a rare level of expertise to his content. Joe is currently hosting Blewett’s Blitz, bringing player and game film breakdowns and podcasts (video and audio). Email: joe.blewett[at]jetsxfactor.com
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Jonathan Richter
Jonathan Richter
1 year ago

If he’s the best player on the board at 10, I’m trading out. This analysis, plus the fact that he’s already 2 years older than most of the other prospects? I’m out.

Jets71
Jets71
1 year ago

I’m also out on him. This is not a great draft to have a ton of picks. The talent at the top isn’t franchise changing, and it’s just the Jets’ luck. I don’t think Joe wants to use all of his picks in this draft and if anybody wants 4 or 10 I think he’d be all over it as long as the compensation makes sense. I just don’t see a trade back in the cards because I don’t think anybody wants 4, and I’m not sure anybody wants 10. I’m hoping a player sitting at 10 is valuable. I think you get the same player at 10 you can get a 4 and I think you can get the same player at 18 you can at 10. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Joe bail on this draft, come away with 4 or 5 players and try to add picks next year, or target a few guys and trade up to get 4 or 5 guys they really like. There is no sense using picks just to add bodies.

hh11212
1 year ago

He actually just a year older than most prospects. He was born in ’99