NFL Draft 2022: New York Jets take Jermaine Johnson No.26 overall

The New York Jets get more aggressive and trade back into the first round to select Jermaine Johnson with the 26th overall pick. 

The New York Jets started the night with just two first-round picks and used them well on Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson at 4 and 10. So, when they traded back up to 26th overall, it was a big surprise for those who covered the draft.

Yet, as the board began to take shape, it became apparent that the Jets were likely only trading up to secure themselves a pass-rusher. After all, this draft is loaded with several of them; see three of the top five picks.

As such, because of their trade, New York lands Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson. Initially seen as a possible top 10 selection, getting him at 26 is a good move for the Jets and secures them three pieces that Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas hope to have as part of a winning puzzle.

The New York Jets walk away from Day One of the 2022 NFL Draft with three quality players, including Jermaine Johnson.

In his final season at Florida State, Jermaine Johnson recorded 70 tackles while leading the ACC with 18 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Additionally, he received  ACC Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-ACC honors.

By strictly looking at the tape, it’s easy to see why Johnson was pegged as a potential Top-10 selection. Still, the Jets aren’t needing to complain. They got three top 10 talents, two in the top of the draft and the other at the bottom of Round 1.

Maybe, just maybe, life is starting to look good for Mike Greenberg, Rich Eisen, Bobby Cannavale, and all the other Jets fans who have to suffer for such a long time.

Again, like with all other teams, time will tell if premature celebrations were justified or if they were, essentially, premature.