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New York Jets: 3 Pro Bowl locks for the 2018 season

By Stephen Smith

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 03: Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 03, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The New York Jets defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 38-31. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 03: Robby Anderson #11 of the New York Jets carries the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs on December 03, 2017 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.The New York Jets defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 38-31. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson , shown last season against the Arizona Cardinals, intercepted Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in the first quarter Saturday night. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 02: Cornerback Trumaine Johnson , shown last season against the Arizona Cardinals, intercepted Raiders quarterback Derek Carr in the first quarter Saturday night. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

1. Trumaine Johnson, CB

It’s really a surprise that the University of Montana product has never been named to a Pro Bowl because he’s been considered one of the better cornerbacks in the league during his six-year career. Johnson was General Manager Mike Maccagnan’s prize free agent acquisition in March and the 6-2, 213-pounder needs to deliver in a big way.

Johnson is now the second highest paid corner in the NFL at $14.5 million per year. He’ll be counted on to blanket the opposition’s top wide receiver and take away a large portion of the gridiron. This will allow Todd Bowles and defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers to employ more blitz packages to pressure and sack the quarterback.

Let’s face it, the Jets aren’t exactly dynamic in pressuring the quarterback. Johnson has 18 career interceptions (including three returned for touchdowns) and is still in his prime at 28 years of age. In order for Gang Green to thrive this coming season, Johnson has to perform like Darrelle Revis did circa 2010-11. That’s a tall order but he needs to come through.

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With Johnson being added to the mix, the Jets should have one of the premier secondaries in the league. Veteran Morris Claiborne will start alongside Johnson which allows Buster Skrine to move to the slot. He’s best suited there. Safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye will only get better in their second NFL campaigns.

Make no mistake though, Johnson must perform at an elite level. There will be enormous pressure on him. I believe he’ll be more than up to the task that lies ahead.  Johnson will finally earn Pro Bowl honors in 2018.

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