Feb. 2, 2026, 6:30 a.m. CT
One of the hidden gems of the 2023 NFL Draft has quietly become one of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ most reliable defenders. Former Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson, selected in the fifth round, has steadily elevated his game each season and is now coming off a true breakout campaign.
Johnson’s career in College Station had its highs and lows, but the physical tools were always obvious. At 6‑foot‑2 with NFL range and tackling ability, he projected as a developmental player with upside—and that projection has paid off. He has increased his starts in each of his three seasons and has appeared in all 17 games in back‑to‑back years. Even though his raw tackle numbers rose in 2024, his overall defensive metrics improved across the board.
For a safety, the margin for error is razor thin. They’re the last line of defense, responsible for eliminating explosive plays and cleaning up mistakes. Missed tackles and coverage lapses get you benched quickly. Johnson has taken that challenge head‑on:
Missed tackle rate: dropped from 10.5% to 4.9%Coverage grade allowed: improved from 73.3 to 60.9
Those strides set the stage for a breakout 2025 season. Through nine starts, Johnson recorded 58 tackles, two sacks, and five interceptions, including a pick‑six that showcased his instincts and closing speed. He has carved out a meaningful role in Jacksonville’s secondary and is trending toward becoming one of the league’s more complete young safeties.
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If he continues on this trajectory, Johnson’s future looks bright—and his development stands as another example of Texas A&M defenders thriving at the next level.
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