The New York Jets had a busy round one of the 2022 NFL Draft.
They used their draft picks in the top ten for cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
Both players could be starters for the Jets this season if they carry over their performance from college.
However, general manager Joe Douglas noticed that one of their targets was slipping down the draft order.
Armed with much draft capital, he ensured they would have another pick in round one.
The Tennessee Titans were a willing partner, giving away their 26th pick to New York.
As NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed, the Jets used that pick to get another potential starter.
#Jets GM Joe Douglas called everyone from pick 15 on up to trade back into the first round. 11 selections later, he made it back and took Jermaine Johnson, one of his top players. A pretty cool draft moment. https://t.co/GNx1wiIQDl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 29, 2022
Rapoport tweeted, “#Jets GM Joe Douglas called everyone from pick 15 on up to trade back into the first round. 11 selections later, he made it back and took Jermaine Johnson, one of his top players. A pretty cool draft moment.”
Draft experts projected Johnson to be taken earlier.
Instead, he fell to the Jets near the end of round one, much to the team’s delight.
The former Florida State Seminole was last year’s ACC Defensive Player of the Year and was selected to the First-Team All-SEC.
The Jets traded their 35th, 69th, and 163rd overall selections in getting Johnson.
Boosting The Pass Rush
Johnson fills a void on the Jets’ defensive line after losing Foley Fatukasi to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He might start with Carl Lawson, Sheldon Rankins, and Quinnen Williams if all goes well.
Last season, the Jets finished 26th in sacks with 33.
That statistic won’t help their cause, especially against the high-powered offenses of their AFC East rivals.
If Johnson can apply constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the Jets will have better chances of winning.
NEXT: Jets Insider Discusses Potential Deebo Samuel Blockbuster Deal