![Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile coaches up Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ third mandatory minicamp Thursday June 12, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_141,w_3979,h_2238/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01k0yrm0s9c99ryrhvb9.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile coaches up Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson (26) during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ third mandatory minicamp Thursday June 12, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]")
Back in 2023, it looked like the Jacksonville Jaguars found a steal when they selected Antonio Johnson in that year's NFL Draft. After all, the former Texas A&M was projected to go in the first or second round but somehow fell into the Jags' lap on the fifth. Fast forward to 2025, and he's quickly reminding everyone that he's still the same player who made a strong impression in his rookie campaign.
Mia O'Brien of ESPN shared her notes from Day 2 of Jaguars training camp and reported that Johnson made an interception, adding that he and the rest of the secondary looks faster than they did in 2024.
"S Antonio Johnson with an INT of Nick Mullens. DBs have noted how much lighter, faster they feel vs. 2024 to both me + in other interviews," O'Brien said. "It showed for Johnson on this pick. Speed + attacked the ball."
Johnson's encouraging outing is notable because he has been projected to be the victim of the numbers game in what is a stacked safety room, with Hays Carlyon of 1010 XL and Justin Barney of News4Jax not expecting him to make the 53-man roster. Then again, the third-year defensive back should most definitely have a shot at sticking around.
Back in college, Johnson showed the capability to line up anywhere in the defensive backfield even though he primarily played safety. Because of his position flexibility, he got playing time in the slot with the Jags. The East St. Louis, Illinois native flashed enough that he got more playing time as the year progressed and eventually supplanted cornerback Tre Herndon at nickel.
Johnson switched to safety in 2024 and was expected to break out. Instead, he regressed and was benched early on. He eventually got back to the starting lineup, but it's fair to say that he was disappointing. In his defense, the whole secondary struggled.
But regardless of the circumstances, Johnson left a bit to be desired last year and is now looking to bounce back.
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Why Antonio Johnson could earn the starting job next to Eric Murray
Antonio Johnson will need to build off his performance on Day 2 of training camp if he wants not only to make the team but also earn a starting spot. One is virtually earmarked for free-agent acquisition Eric Murray, who signed a three-year deal worth $18 million in the offseason.
Johnson is part of a loaded safety room that includes Darnell Savage, Andrew Wingard, and rookie Caleb Ransaw. Granted, Rayuan Lane and Daniel Thomas are also in the mix, but both are poised to contribute on special teams.
That leaves Johnson in a four-way battle with Savage, Ransaw, and Wingard for the job next to Murray.
Will he pull it off? It's hard to tell, but he just reminded everyone that he's the same talented player who showed promise back in 2023.