NFL Draft 2022: 5 best picks of the first round

TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 5: Defensive End Jermaine Johnson II #11 of the Florida State Seminoles during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Doak Campbell Stadium on Bobby Bowden Field on September 5, 2021 in Tallahassee, Florida. The Fighting Irish defeated the Seminoles 41 to 38 OT. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

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Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State linebacker Jermaine Johnson II (LB20) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jermaine Johnson to Jets at No. 26

Johnson was a consideration for the Jets with one of their two original first-round picks at either No. 4 or No. 10. The front office didn’t pull the trigger on the Florida State edge with either of those selections. Instead, they traded their way back into the bottom of Round 1 to stop Johnson’s slide.

Some teams were reportedly turned off by Johnson’s personality, but the Jets were clearly comfortable with him as both a person and player. He has the pass-rushing skills to give their defense an immediate boost as a rookie.

Johnson can benefit greatly from the presence of Carl Lawson on the other edge. He’s just the sort of veteran mentor that Johnson needs to work under if he wants to maximize his talents. Rushing the passer next to Quinnen Williams collapsing the pocket from the interior also should help Johnson’s immediate adjustment to life in the NFL.

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Prospects who dominate the Senior Bowl in the fashion Johnson did generally hear their names called early in Round 1. The fact that Johnson fell all the way down to No. 26 is a bit of a head-scratcher. Credit the Jets for doing what was required to jump back into Round 1 to grab a premium edge rusher.

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