NFL Draft Profile: Jermaine Johnson II
An early look at a KCSN Draft Guide write up.
Free agency is off and running, but we’re still paying close attention to the draft. We’re working hard on the 2022 KCSN Draft Guide that releases on April 6th.
The Chiefs have yet to make a move at defensive end, but there are some quality pass rushers that could be available to them in the first round. Perhaps even a trade up. Here is a perfect fit for the Chiefs at EDGE.
EDGE Jermaine Johnson II — Florida State
6’5” — 262
Eden Prairie, Minnesota — 1/7/1999
Grade (round): 1st
2021 Stats: 70 TKL, 17.5 TFL, 11.5 Sacks, 2 FF
Background:
Participated in the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl. Began his college career with Independence Community College before transferring to Georgia. Appeared in 21 games with the Bulldogs before transferring to Florida State for the 2021 season. ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2021), First Team All-American (2021), First Team All-ACC (2021), FSU Team Defensive MVP (2021).
Strengths:
Johnson II is one of the more physically impressive edge rushers in this class. He is an energizer bunny that will make plays all over the field with great effort. He is the best run defender in this draft class and does a great job of stoning offensive linemen at the point of attack. Physically, there aren’t many negatives in his game. He has good length that he uses to make first contact and he possesses good pop in his hands to stone them at the point of attack. He is a twitchy and fluid mover that can play 4-3 defensive end or stand up as a 3-4 outside linebacker. As a pass rusher, he flashes an outstanding array of moves that would make anyone excited about his potential. He is borderland dominant with his two-hand swipes and how he turns the corner after landing this move.
Weaknesses:
Johnson is still a bit raw as a pass rusher. While the flashes are great, he needs to improve his overall consistency off of the edge. He will often be stymied on the first move and hesitate on how he should counter/adjust. He tends to struggle the most when he is unable to get a good head of steam to his match-up. When he is jump set by an opposing offensive tackle, he often doesn’t know how to adjust to not being the aggressor off of the edge. He could also stand to add a little more power to his lower half so he can hold up better against NFL offensive tackles at the point of attack.
How he fits with the Chiefs:
Johnson, like he would be with every team in the NFL, would be a great fit with the Chiefs. He is the best run defender in the class and one of the more physically impressive edge prospects. There is a small chance that he is available when the Chiefs pick, but if he is, they need to make sure they grab him.
Player comp: Montez Sweat
Team Fit: High
