The best way to beat an elite quarterback is to have an elite pass rush. Barring your tremendous luck in capturing your own star passer, you’ll have to lean on the young men you pay to hunt quarterbacks to win games.
When it comes to compelling pass-rush potential, there are few bigger EDGE names in the 2022 Draft class than Jermaine Johnson II. Once a mere rotational player with Georgia, Johnson II thrived with Florida State in a full-time role during the 2021 season. Scouts raved about the terrific athlete’s massive step-up as soon as he got more snaps.
Now imagine Johnson II in an NFL strength and conditioning program, with a pro operation pulling out all the stops to develop his raw tools. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it.
To me, there’s virtually no scenario where Johnson II supplants his EDGE-mates Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Travon Walker. Though, that doesn’t mean he leaves the top 10 — this is a special class of top-end pass rushers.
Oddsmakers with Tipico Sportsbook think it’s unlikely Johnson II makes it past the Seahawks at No. 9 overall. Seattle is smack dab in the middle of a rebuild after trading Russell Wilson. I would bet on the Seahawks jump-starting a new era on the Puget Sound with Johnson II.
Pete Carroll and Co. will wait to take a quarterback, perhaps even next year. And as they should.
Johnson II almost makes too much sense.
The Pick: Jermaine Johnson II draft position UNDER 9.5 (-115).
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