2022 NFL Draft: Why Jermaine Johnson is the best defensive end in the draft
By Kelvin Hunt
Production
The other defensive ends I see mentioned the most among the best are Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Travon Walker. I’m sure some projections base things on potential, but we see first-round draft picks busts every year because of that. When it comes to production, Johnson stacks up better than the rest of these guys.
Aidan Hutchinson (15 games)
-62 tackles
-14 sacks
-16.5 tackles for loss
-12 QB hurries
Kayvon Thibodeaux (11 games)
-49 tackles
-7 sacks
-12 tackles for loss
-8 QB hurries
Travon Walker (15 games)
-37 tackles
-6 sacks
-7.5 tackles for loss
-6 QB hurries
Jermaine Johnson (12 games)
-70 tackles
-12 sacks
-17.5 tackles for loss
-12 QB hurries
Look at the difference in production. Johnson played in three fewer games than Hutchinson and Walker. Johnson blows Walker’s numbers out of the water and beats or ties Hutchinson in three of the four categories.
If you watch the tape, Johnson seems to have the best sense of instincts regarding when to play the run and when to rush the passer. He’s always around the football and has the motor to go sideline to sideline. He didn’t come off the field for FSU much and his quality of play continued to be of high caliber.