Jacksonville Jaguars’ safety Antonio Johnson put together a breakout season in 2025.
As the year progressed, Johnson’s role on defense expanded. He graded out well as a run defender by PFF’s metrics, held pass catchers to under 10 yards per reception this season, and came away with five interceptions and three pass breakups.
But facilitating that high-level production was Johnson’s ability to fill a variety of roles within the defense. Whatever defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile needed from Johnson, he provided, creating a deeper understanding of the defense.
“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.”
According to PFF, Johnson played 206 snaps last season lined up in the box, 306 at deep safety, 98 from the slot, and 29 along the defensive line.
Entering his fourth NFL season, Johnson is one of the veterans in what is a young Jaguars’ safety room overall. That has created leadership opportunities for him that he has fully embraced.
“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.”
Johnson will step into a full-time starting role this year on the back end of the Jaguars’ defense.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars S Antonio Johnson fills unique role in Campanile’s defense
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
