March 4, 2026, 3:36 p.m. ET
Jacksonville Jaguars safety Antonio Johnson is the highest-graded player at his position, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Johnson was selected by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, where he showed signs of being a great player, even with limited snaps. The next year, he had even more of an impact, racking up 73 total tackles and two passes defended. But it was in 2025 that he exploded, having a huge breakout season.
Like the rest of the Jaguars’ defense, Johnson seemed to excel under Anthony Campanile. He did well in run defense, but especially shone in coverage, where he came away with five interceptions and three pass breakups, with pass catchers averaging less than 9.0 yards per catch. He also allowed just 202 yards in total the entire season. Overall, it was an elite performance, taking him to the #1 spot among all safeties.
Writing for PFF, Thomas Valentine said, “Johnson’s exemplary play in coverage was the driving force for his lift off, allowing just 202 yards while snagging five interceptions. His 87.6 PFF coverage grade led all safeties.”
Johnson is a versatile safety, lining up as a box defender, free safety, and in the slot. And while he didn’t see much action in the beginning of the season, as Eric Murray repeatedly got injured, Johnson was forced to step up. And he had no problem rising to the occasion, with Campanile pointing out that the repetitions helped Johnson reach his potential.
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“He’s gotten so many reps now at doing what we’re doing, and I think he’s very comfortable but he’s also, like I said last week, he’s playing a lot of roles for us,” Campanile said. “He’s playing nickel, he’s playing safety, he’s playing some dime, move him around a lot and I think he’s doing a lot of the things that he does well.”