3 rookies who have shined for the Jacksonville Jaguars this season, 2 who haven't
• Some of them had an impact this season, others not so much
• Here are their 3 biggest hits, and 2 early misses so far
2. Antonio Johnson has been a stud for the Jaguars in 2023
Defensive back Antonio Johnson was a fifth-round selection, which was puzzling when you take into account that he was projected to be drafted early in the first round or early in the second. It's hard to see why he slid from an outside perspective but it's possible that he wasn't rated high in most draft boards. That said, the former Texas A&M Aggie is proving that it doesn't matter which round you're picked in as long as you make the most of your chances.
Although Johnson was listed as a safety in college, he also lined up at nickel, so he gave the coaching staff an intriguing player to work with. Head coach Doug Pederson originally said that the Jags planned to have him play safety but the prospect of giving him a look in the slot was too good to pass up, so he got reps at both positions in training camp.
Unfortunately for Johnson, most of the Jaguars' defensive starters from last year returned in 2023, so he didn't get much playing time in the season. But with injuries striking the secondary down the stretch, there was an opening for the East St. Louis native to see extensive action in Week 13 and 14.
Based on the results, the coaching staff will need to strongly consider giving Johnson a bigger role moving forward. On 20 defensive snaps in the Browns game, he gave up no receptions on three targets and also forced a fumble. On a day in which the defense struggled, Johnson's performance stood out, which makes his slide to Round 5 seem like a coup for the Jags.