The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to exceed expectations in 2025, going from a bottom dweller to one of the hottest teams in the NFL in the span of one season. One big reason was the arrival of Liam Coen, who oversaw a massive turnaround less than a year after becoming the head coach. However, there were other reasons for the team's success.
The prior regime had put together a talented core but wasn't able to get the most out of it. It wasn't until Coen arrive tha the was able to get the most out of his players. Trevor Lawrence is probably the first one that comes to mind, but he was from the only: Montaric Brown, Devin Lloyd, and Cole Van Lanen, all three had career years in 2025.
That said, there's another Jaguars player who also had a banner season in 2025, but didn't get nearly as much recognition. The good news is that it's beginning to change.
Antonio Johnson and Devin Lloyd represent the Jaguars in PFF's All-Pro Team
Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus put together a 2025 All-Pro Team and chose two Jaguars: Devin Lloyd (First Team) and Antonio Johnson (Second Team). The former's inclusion doesn't come as a surprise when you consider that he rose to national prominence last year.
On the other hand, it was encouraging to see Johnson pop up. Then again, his inclusion isn't necessarily shocking. After all, he began the season behind Eric Murray and Andrew Wingard. However, he made so many plays that it was impossible not to keep him on the field.
Although Johnson didn't start as many games as Murray or Wingard, he had a bigger impact, registering five interceptions and nine passes defensed. If that wasn't enough, the 2023 fifth-round pick's 86.9 grade was the second-highest among safeties in the NFL last year.
What makes Johnson's success even more impressive is that he appeared to be an afterthought on the depth chart last offseason. In fact, he was seen as a release candidate. Against all odds, though, he made the cut in the initial 53-man roster. Now, he's in a position to pick up where he left off.
Antonio Johnson is ready to become a game-changer for the Jaguars
With Andrew Wingard scheduled to become a free agent, Antonio Johnson should become the full-time starter opposite Eric Murray next season. That would help him build off of his impressive.
One thing that should allow Johnson to keep improving is that the coaching staff now knows how to best use him. Last year, defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile praised his versatility, pointing out that Jacksonville could deploy him anywhere in the backfield. Then again, this doesn't come as a surprise.
As a rookie, the East St. Louis, Illinois native showed potential. And back with the Aggies, the Texas A&M staff made the most of his position flexibility, which is why he was projected to go late in the first round, even if he ended up sliding to the fifth.
That Antonio Johnson had a surge in 2025 must have been a pleasant surprise for the Jaguars. And now that he has shown that he can play at a high level, he should have no trouble taking the league by storm.