Despite leading the NFL in safety grades and snagging five interceptions, Antonio Johnson remains a hidden gem poised to anchor Jacksonville’s secondary as a versatile, elite playmaker.
The back end of the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense is in good hands.
Opposing quarterbacks must always know where Jaguars' versatile safety Antonio Johnson is at all times. With the ability to play either the strong or free safety spot, as well as lining up in the slot, Johnson has proven to be a playmaker all over the field.
After a breakout 2025 season, Johnson is looking to become a household name in 2026. Entering his fourth season in Jacksonville, the 2023 fifth-round pick is finally starting to gain some attention on a national level.
In a recent article on NFL.com, Johnson was named the Jaguars' most underappreciated player. The piece makes the point that Jacksonville has several players not getting the attention they deserve. Yet, Johnson received the nod due to his fantastic third season.
Breakout 2025 Season
Johnson enjoyed a breakout season in 2025. Despite not entering the starting lineup until November, Johnson still managed to lead the Jaguars with five interceptions, including a pick-six against the Tennessee Titans. Johnson's five INTs tied for second-most in the NFL.
Johnson earned an overall grade of 87.4 and a coverage grade of 88.4 from PFF in 2025. Both grades ranked first out of 88 qualifying safeties. PFF named him to its Second-Team All-Pro squad.
Still, Johnson was left off the AP All-Pro teams altogether, and was not selected to the Pro Bowl after his stellar season. The lack of national buzz surrounding Johnson was baffling, even though he was a major catalyst for the Jaguars' nine-win improvement from 2024 to 2025.
Expectations High For 2026
Even though the 2026 season will be Johnson's first as a full-time starter, expectations for the Texas A&M product are very high. Jacksonville's defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile, remains impressed with Johnson and his ability to perform no matter what is asked of him. Campanile went as far as to say that he even trusts Johnson to help coach other players on defensive techniques.
"Cool thing about him is he's had a lot on his plate," Campanile said on Monday. "Maybe more than even some other guys because Antonio plays both safety positions, nickel, dime, he does a lot. So when you do that, it's hard to learn all that stuff, but in the end, the silver lining is you know the defense as good or better than anybody and I think he's at the point now here he can coach a lot of the techniques that we're asking the guys to play, which is cool."
At only 24 years of age, Johnson is already viewed as a veteran leader in the Jaguars' secondary. Campanile is leaning on him to help bring Jacksonville's even younger players up to speed.
"Definitely a little bit different for him coming in this year," Campanile added, "just knowing everything that he knows within the system. You see him helping the young guys, helping Jalen (Huskey) and other guys in the room. He's been a really, really good communicator, done a good job in meetings."
Final Thoughts
If Johnson's 2026 season looks anything last year, it will be impossible for him to continue flying under the radar. Johnson's ceiling for 2026 is sky high, with Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors within his grasp.
Jacksonville will need Johnson to continue his upwards trajectory if they want to make a deep playoff run this season. Johnson is becoming a true leader for the Jaguars, who will look to continue reaping the benefits of finding such a steal in the fifth round.
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