Mel Kiper, Todd McShay give latest intel on Jermaine Johnson's NFL Draft position

Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jermaine Johnson II could find himself sneaking into the back end of the top ten of the 2022 NFL Draft. ESPN NFL Draft experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay recently discussed the draft stock of Johnson, and noted him as a possibility for the Seattle Seahawks with the ninth overall pick.

After Aidan Hutchinson, Travon Walker, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Johnson is the clear best option at defensive end. He could be very attractive for a team like the Seahawks, or could even slide even further up in the top ten.

“Edge rusher could be a possibility (at No. 9), but you’re down to Jermaine Johnson after Aidan Hutchinson, Thibodeaux, and Walker come off the board,” McShay said.

Johnson started with the Georgia Bulldogs, totaling 36 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two passes defended and one forced fumble in 16 games across two seasons. Then, ahead of last season, Johnson transferred to Florida State to play his final season. At Florida State, Johnson turned into one of the best defensive players in the ACC and in the entire nation.

In 12 games with the Seminoles, Johnson finished with 70 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two passes defended, one fumble recovery, two forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. Johnson’s strong season put him firmly in the discussion to be a first round selection in the NFL Draft, and he has only continued to rise on draft boards in the pre-draft process.

Kiper: Johnson’s draft stock is ‘red hot’

Kiper also sees Johnson as a possibility for the Seahawks with the ninth overall pick in the draft. The draft expert called Johnson “red hot,” adding that the Seahawks like to bring in players like Johnson to help in the pass rush. Kiper also noted that the Jets are a possibility for Johnson at No. 10.

“They always like pass rushers,” Kiper said of the Seahawks. “Jermaine Johnson II is red hot, Todd. He had 70 tackles, he was second on the team with tackles. He had 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. The way he bends the corner, and that’s strip sacks and getting in, it’s hard not to look at Jermaine Johnson II for Seattle or the Jets coming up at 10 who need an edge rusher as well.”

Ultimately, McShay had Johnson going 14th overall in his most recent two-round mock draft, being selected by the Baltimore Ravens. Johnson will soon know where his next home will be, as the 2022 NFL Draft gets underway on April 28.