The New York Jets addressed their EDGE need with a trade that fetched them Jermaine Johnson
As the metropolitan area prepared for bed, the New York Jets had one more surprise from Las Vegas of Thursday night’s opening action at the 2022 NFL draft.
New York traded up into the late stages of the first round through a three-pick deal with the Tennessee Titans, using the AFC South opponent’s 26th overall pick on Florida State defensive end Jermaine Johnson. The Jets sent the 35th, 69th, and 163rd overall picks south, while they also obtained the 101st choice.
Well, how do you do, Jermaine Johnson? The Florida State product's massive slide worked in the New York #Jets favor, as they trade into slot No. 26 to snag the dynamic EDGE. pic.twitter.com/5bFtTbTjIC
— Jets X-Factor (@jetsxfactor) April 29, 2022
Pegged by many as an early selection in Thursday’s proceedings, Johnson rose from the JUCO ranks at Independence Community College, notably starring in the fourth season of Netflix’s reality series “Last Chance U”.”
A dominant freshman season caught the attention of the University of Georgia, but he burst onto the national scene with an ACC Defensive Player of the Year-worthy season at Florida State.
He made the most of his single-season as a major collegiate starter, earning 70 tackles (17.5 for a loss, 11.5 sacks) as a Seminole. The Jets were looking to bolster their pass rush after earning only 33 quarterback takedowns last season, tied for the sixth-worst rate in the league.
The Jets’ trade back into the first round marks the first time they’ve had at least three picks in the opening stanza since 2000 when they welcomed in Shaun Ellis, John Abraham, Chad Pennington, and Anthony Becht.
Their next scheduled pick comes at No. 38 overall tomorrow as a result of the Sam Darnold trade with the Carolina Panthers.
