First-round draft pick grows into New York Jets' position group leader

With Haason Reddick currently holding out, Jermaine Johnson is inarguably the best edge rusher on the New York Jets .

The Jets defense in 2024 is on the path to replicate their play in 2023 and Johnson is a focal point among a talented unit. The third-year DE out of Florida State amped up his play from his rookie season, playing all 17 games and increasing his sack total by five. This year, he looks to continue his progression and build on an impressive sophomore season.

Johnson was selected to his first Pro Bowl following his 2023 performance and still has a lot to prove. Nevertheless, his improvement from Year 1 to now has been evident on the field, and Johnson knows that he's due for a breakout season.

"I've been here, I done it," said Johnson when asked about his growth over the last three years after Tuesday's practice. "Now I'm just looking to take my game to that next level."

The 2022 first-round draft pick has had a great training camp to date. Although the primary aspect of Johnson's job is to hit the QB, which is not permitted in practice settings, he's still been able to refine his craft and add to his repertoire. One of the main facets Johnson worked on this offseason was his edge rushing from the right side.

"The right side was new to me, so that was something I knew I had to work on and now I'm at that point where it's kind of mirrored. I feel good on both sides," said Johnson.

At the moment, veteran Michael Clemons and second-year edge rusher Will McDonald IV are on the other side of Johnson. With the Jets known for using a rotation on the defensive line, it could be interesting how they utilize Johnson on both edges.

If head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich decide to try Johnson on the right edge come the regular season, it would mean that Reddick is firm on holding out. Reddick is an elite three-down pass rusher on the right side and that would mean little to no reps for Johnson there.

Overall, Johnson has been continuously praised by his peers throughout his third training camp and it should be an exciting season for the 25-year-old.

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