NFL expert explains why Jaguars' Day 3 draft steal could start right away
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been praised for their fifth-round selection of safety Antonio Johnson out of Texas A&M. In the eyes of many renowned analysts, Johnson was one of the best safeties in the class and was expected to be off the board earlier. But perhaps there hasn't been a bigger compliment to Johsnon as a […]
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been praised for their fifth-round selection of safety Antonio Johnson out of Texas A&M. In the eyes of many renowned analysts, Johnson was one of the best safeties in the class and was expected to be off the board earlier.
But perhaps there hasn't been a bigger compliment to Johsnon as a recent article from film expert Ted Nguyen for The Athletic. He ranks the draft's ten best scheme fits in it and features eight first-rounders, one second-rounder, and… Antonio Johnson, a fifth-rounder.
The fact that the former Aggie is put side by side with so many top-tier prospects speaks volumes as to why many perceive the Jaguars' pick as one of the draft's biggest steals. In essence, Johnson can do a little bit of everything.
Watching Johnson’s film is a bit of a throwback because you don’t often see safeties who destroy blocks like he does. Johnson lined up all over the place at Texas A&M. He played deep safety, operated in the slot and served as the hole safety in Tampa 2 variations. He showed some closing ability in coverage but needs to be more disciplined with his eyes, and his change of direction is subpar. Playing in the box should be his main role early in his career.
– Ted Nguyen, The Athletic
Nguyen argues the Jaguars rookie might've dropped in the NFL Draft because of the fact that he projects best as a box defender. In a league where Vic Fangio's two-high safety system is king, scouts, and executives are looking for a different type of skillset.
Not the Jags: At least in 2022, they remained one of the teams to play the most Cover 3 (single-high zone coverage). In that coverage, the strong safety will rotate down to the box and provide run support and coverage underneath. Johnson has the tools to play that role.
Johnson seems like an intelligent player based on how many roles he played in college. If he cracks the starting lineup, the Jaguars could have a nice safety duo in him and Andre Cisco, who is coming off a promising second pro season. The Jaguars have a talented nucleus of young players to be excited about, and Johnson could add to it.
– Ted Nguyen, The Athletic
The Jaguars' safety room is currently led by Andre Cisco and Rayshawn Jenkins, who are projected to be the team's starters in 2023. If Johnson wants to earn some playing time, it'll likely be Jenkins who needs to beat out.
Once OTAs start on May 22nd, Johnson's fifth-round rookie status won't matter anymore. It will be all about his play on the field.
