The Jacksonville Jaguars released their first unofficial depth chart just before the preseason. One thing that stands out is that their safety depth chart is still a work in progress. Their two starting spots are listed as Andrew Wingard or Antonio Johnson, and Eric Murray or Darnell Savage.
Of the four, Eric Murray is virtually a lock to start. That leaves the other three competing for one job. An NFL voice believes one of them has the talent to come out on top.
Antonio Johnson could bounce back and shine with the Jaguars
NFL analyst and sideline reporter Bucky Brooks made an appearance on The Huddle Up podcast and heaped praise on Antonio Johnson, pointing out that the third-year defensive back could flourish under the new coaching staff.
"Maybe too early to give up on him, just because a new scheme, new voices, can bring about different results for a player," Brooks said when John Oehser noted that the new staff likes him, and there have been glimpses of the player he can be (22:30 mark). "I will, going back to his time at Texas A&M, he was a big-time player at their star position, which is really like a hybrid nickel, safety, linebacker role. I think they have a thought for him along those lines. But yeah, he's very instinctive. He's a playmaker."
Brooks continued, "And look, man. When you talk to DBs, there's comfort in looking at the quarterback and seeing the ball come out. We always likened it back in the day to when you were a baseball player and you're trying to steal bases. You seal it off the pitcher, not the charter. And so being able to get a jump on the quarterback because of his eyes, his delivery, the pat on the ball, anything like that, brings you one step closer to making the play if you can hone in on those things in your film study and your habits line up. There are a lot of plays to be made on tips and overthrows in this kind of defense."
Johnson was listed at safety in college but played everywhere in the Aggies backfield. Because of his playmaking skills, he was projected to go late in the first round or early in the second of the 2023 draft but ultimately slid to the fifth.
As a rookie, the East St. Louis native lined up in the slot and got a bigger role when he made the most out of his playing time. By the end of the 2023 season, he had supplanted Tre Herndon at nickel.
Johnson switched back to safety in 2024 and was expected to break out but instead struggled and was benched. He eventually got back into the starting lineup, but it's fair to say that he left a bit to be desired.
Antonio Johnson should feel good about his chances
The Jacksonville Jaguars are giving Antonio Johnson a clean slate, and he's making the most out of it. The third-year defensive back is leaner and has made plays throughout training camp. This doesn't mean that he'll be the starter, but he most definitely has a chance.
Of course, Andrew Wingard and Darnell Savage won't give up without a fight, but it looks like Antonio Johnson is in a position to make the cut and silence his doubters.
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