Washington Redskins: Jeron Johnson brings potential

By Andrew Long | Mar 19, 2015

The Washington Redskins hired general manager Scot McCloughan to completely gut and re-build their ailing franchise from the ground up. The additions that McCloughan has made via free agency have put a strong emphasis on the defensive side of the ball. He beefed up Washington’s defensive line by signing Stephen Paea, Ricky Jean-Francois, and Terrance Knighton.

After a much needed re-tooling of the Redskins defensive line, McCloughan’s focus shifted to Washington’s horrid secondary. The team lured cornerback Chris Culliver to town, which is good because David Amerson struggled mightily last season. That still leaves a glaring hole at safety, though.

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McCloughan is hoping that former Seattle Seahawks strong safety Jeron Johnson, a player that he knows very well, can fill that hole. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Redskins and Johnson came to an agreement on a two-year deal worth $4 million dollars.

The length and size of the contract both work in favor of Washington. It’s not a deal that will break the bank, and it gives the Redskins an opportunity to lock up a potential breakout player.

The reason I use the word potential is because Johnson has only started one career game. That’s not to say that he isn’t talented, though. Since joining the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2011, Johnson has been slotted behind a pair of Pro Bowl safeties in Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas.

Playing with and learning from such talented players is a definite positive, and it’s something that Johnson has eluded to. During an interview with Larry Michael of Redskins Nation, Johnson talks about how playing behind those players helped shape the player he is today.

Michael would go on to ask Johnson about his plans for the season. Johnson stated, “To come in and compete for the starting job. I don’t want anything handed to me. So, come in and compete. I’m just going to be me. You know, I can’t promise you anything but me, but Jeron Johnson. And I’m a competitor. I want to compete, and I want to win.”

I like Johnson’s competitive nature, and the fact that he’s willing to earn his keep is a plus. It shows that he’s confident in his game and not selfish. I say this because a team first mentality is necessary when trying to construct a successful franchise.

After Johnson finished talking about his competitive nature and will to start, Michael asked him to describe his game. The 26 year old safety said, “I’m an all around player, I feel. You know, I can play free safety, strong safety. But hitting is definitely part of my game. I’m a physical player and I plan on delivering the blow.”

Up until this point in his career, he has dealt a majority of his damage on special teams. Appearing in a total of 46 games, Johnson has accrued 28 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and a pass deflection in his career. It remains unclear how he will fair as a starter, but his past experiences and mindset have put him in a position to succeed. Johnson is still young and deserves the opportunity to prove his worth.

With both of their starters from 2014 gone, Johnson will receive that opportunity with the Washington Redskins.

Next: Washington Redskins 2015 free agency grades

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