Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State linebacker Jermaine Johnson II (LB20) during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Hoping to bolster a sagging pass rush, Joe Douglas traded up and drafted Florida State University edge rusher Jermaine Johnson with the 26thh overall pick in the first round of the 2022 draft.
Having lacked a true pass rusher since John Abraham in 2005, Douglas needed a body to pair with Carl Lawson who the team expects back from injury.
Johnson, a transfer from Georgia to FSU, has been talked about as a possible top ten pick. In fact, NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah repeatedly questioned Johnson falling outside of the top 10 as Jeremiah had him ranked as the ninth-best player in the class. In his lone season with the Seminoles, Johnson had 11.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss.
To acquire Johnson, the Jets gave up picks 35, 69 and 163 in exchange for picks 26 and 101 from the Tennessee Titans.