From ‘Last Chance U’ to NFL, this team picked FSU defensive end Jermaine Johnson II
Jermaine Johnson II’s path to the NFL began at the community college better known as the place portrayed in the Netflix series, “Last Chance U.”
The Florida State defensive end was taken in the 2022 NFL Draft’s first round by the New York Jets with the 26th overall pick.
Johnson II, a Minnesota native, played at Independence Community College in Kansas before heading to the University of Georgia. With limited playing time, Johnson II entered the transfer portal and landed at FSU, where he made an immediate impact on the Seminoles defense.
In his final college football season, Johnson II racked up 70 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss and 11.5 sacks.
“Ascending edge prospect,” NFL.com wrote on Johnson II’s draft profile. “Johnson has NFL traits and the potential to keep getting bigger and better as a pro. He is a one-year full-time starter with an underdeveloped pass rush and occasional lapses in awareness, but both areas should be correctable with more coaching and game experience.
“He’s more instinctive and consistent as a run defender, but his length and relentlessness are excellent building blocks for challenging protection. Johnson’s blend of strength and athleticism should make him a firm edge-setter and playmaker near the line of scrimmage for odd or even fronts. He has the traits, athleticism and talent to project as a top-40 pick with a bright future.”
NFL.com rated Johnson II as the third-best defensive end with a 6.49 score. Only Aidan Hutchinson and Kayvon Thibodeaux rated higher, according to NFL.com.
