The New York Jets have another representative in the Pro Bowl
The last of the New York Jets’ three first-round picks in the 2022 NFL draft will finally debut in the Pro Bowl. Defensive end Jermaine Johnson was named to his first Pro Bowl in his second season.
Hard work pays off.@ii_jermaine has been named to the #ProBowlGames!
— New York Jets (@nyjets) January 30, 2024
After originally missing out, Johnson was named as a replacement for Chargers star pass rusher Khalil Mack. Despite being added now, Johnson likely won’t forget he was left off the initial roster.
Y’all gon feel me next year…
— Jermaine Johnson II (@ii_jermaine) January 4, 2024
The 26th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft was labeled by some as a bust after playing a rotational role as a rookie. After a strong offseason, Johnson followed up his quiet rookie season with a breakout sophomore campaign in which he showed improvement in nearly every category.
Among 86 edge defenders with at least 400 defensive snaps, here is where Johnson ranked in the 2023 regular season:
- Pressures: 56 (T-27th)
- Pressure rate: 12.6% (34th)
- Sacks: 9 (T-28th)
- Run stops: 20 (T-20th)
- PFF grade: 83.0 (19th)
While his overall numbers are excellent, most of his production came after the first four weeks. From Weeks 5-18, Johnson jumps to 12th in PFF grade (88.3), 15th in pressure rate (15.1%), 16th in pressures (51), 16th in run stops (15), and 21st in sacks (8).
Jermaine Johnson was great this season but he took it to the next level after Week 5.
Pressures: 51 (T-16th)
Pressure Rate: 15.1% (15th/66 w/ 400 snaps)
Sacks: 8 (T-21st)
Run Stops: 15 (T-16th)
PFF Grade: 88.3 (12th)Well deserved #Jets https://t.co/bGZMUX0U07
— Stefan Stelling (@li_jets) January 30, 2024
With Johnson being added to the 2023 Pro Bowl roster, all three of the Jets’ first-round picks in 2022 will have attended. Sauce Gardner was named as a starter in 2022 and 2023 while Wilson was similarly named as an alternate in 2022.
Johnson will also be joining fellow defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, who was named as a starter at defensive tackle.
In 2024, Johnson will have the opportunity to join Williams as only the fourth defensive lineman in Jets history to make back-to-back Pro Bowls.