A ‘Apex Predator’ Is Coming Off the Edge for the Jets in 2024
Just making a sincere effort to be the top predator. Perform at an exceptionally high level of power and finesse, and really hammer the [offensive] tackles. My mind is just overpowering everything in its entirety. This offseason, the Jets lost two players on their defensive line: John Franklin-Myers was dealt to the Denver Broncos, while Bryce Huff signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Jets acquired Haason Reddick by trade as well.
Johnson was selected by the Jets with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, along with three other award-winning players. Despite having limited playing time in his debut season, he showed glimpses of potential, registering 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss.
In 2023, the defensive end played in 66% of the team’s defensive snaps, a significant increase in playing time. His impressive stats as a pass rusher included 7.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits. Along with his strong run defense, he finished with 55 total tackles and 11 TFLs. He even successfully returned a throw that was intercepted 37 yards for a touchdown.
The fact that the Jets signed Reddick and have young players on their roster allowed them to cut players like Franklin-Myers and Huff. The Jets selected Will McDonald IV, another edge rusher, in the first round of the 2023 Draft after selecting Johnson in the first round of the 2022 Draft. It’s fortunate that they took action since Reddick had been hoping for an extension, which he is unlikely to receive.
In 2024, Gang Green will be exploring other avenues to get their horses onto the field. Although Johnson has mostly played on the edge for the Jets, coordinator Jeff Ulbrich mentioned that, given his strength and explosiveness, he might try to play more inside this season.