The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft with the No. 160 overall selection.
Johnson is a versatile defensive back who spent much of his collegiate career playing out of the slot. In his last two seasons with the Aggies, Johnson played 883 defensive snaps in the slot, 158 as a box safety, 114 as a deep safety, and 33 as an outside cornerback.
Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson talked about his versatility when meeting with the media.
It’s what stands out to teams when they meet with him. Can play multiple positions on defense, including in the slot: pic.twitter.com/jgSL4NdOCD
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) March 2, 2023
While Jacksonville already has a starting duo of safeties with Andre Cisco and Rayshawn Jenkins, as well as Andrew Wingard, the team’s slot cornerback situation is a concern.
The team signed Darious Williams last year to address the need, but moved him to the outside after Shaquill Griffin landed on injured reserve.
Tre Herndon III was the primary slot cornerback late in the 2022 season, but Johnson may have a chance at supplanting the veteran for that role.
Johnson is a 6’2, 218-pound defensive back who ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. He earned First Team All-SEC honors in his last season at Texas A&M after finishing with 71 tackles, three forced fumbles, and five tackles for loss in nine games played.
