Jermaine Johnson II
Since entering the NFL in 1961, the Vikings have selected just one Minnesota native in the first round — linebacker Jeff Seimon, who was born in Rochester in 1950. But Seimon left with his family for California when he was 2 and didn’t return to Minnesota until 1972, when the Vikings made him the No. 10 overall selection.Defensive end Carl Eller, a North Carolina native who starred at the University of Minnesota, is the only player from a Minnesota college that the Vikings have drafted in the first round; he was picked No. 6 in 1964. And they’ve never had a first-round selection who attended a Minnesota high school.
But that could change. Edge rusher Jermaine Johnson II, an Eden Prairie native who starred at Eden Prairie High School and was the 2021 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year at Florida State, is a candidate to be selected with the No. 12 pick in the April 28-30 draft.
The Vikings might prefer to take a cornerback, but if both Cincinnati’s Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner and LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. are off the board at No. 12, they will need to make a decision. Do they take another cornerback at that spot, such as Washington’s Trent McDuffie or Clemson’s Andrew Booth Jr.? Do they trade down and still try to get one of those two players? Or do they select a player at another position? If it’s the last option, edge rusher might be the most likely position.
Edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson of Michigan and Travon Walker of Georgia will be long gone by the Vikings’ No. 12 pick. NFL Network analyst Charles Davis said there’s a slim chance Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux could slide down to that spot, and the Vikings would have to strongly consider him if that happens. But there is a much better chance that Johnson, regarded by most analysts as the fourth-best edge rusher in the draft, could be available.
“I watched him at the Senior Bowl, where he competed and participated in all the practices and took the snaps, and he won the vast majority of one-on-one drills and just had a really good week,” Davis said.
At the scouting combine in Indianapolis in March, Johnson talked about wanting to end up with the Vikings.
“I grew up a Vikings fan,” he said. “I tried to catch every game. That’d be awesome going home. I’m familiar with the city, born and raised there. It’d be kind of full circle.”
The 6-foot-5, 262-pound Johnson is coming off a season in which he had 18 tackles for loss, including 12 sacks. It was his only year with the Seminoles after he spent his first two college seasons at Independence (Kan.) Community College, which was featured then in the documentary “Last Chance U,” and then his next two seasons at Georgia.
Johnson was a rotation player with the Bulldogs, getting 6½ sacks in the 2019 and 2020 seasons. But he really emerged when he got plenty of snaps at Florida State in an NCAA-allowed fifth season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s a great story,” said Mike Grant, Eden Prairie High’s longtime coach. “He didn’t qualify (academically) coming out high school, so he goes down there (to Independence) and it really is ‘Last Chance U.’ But he did all the right things, turned it around academically, and was able to pick Georgia. And then he went to Florida State and worked his butt off. He’s going to go high in the draft, and it’s well deserved.”
ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid has been impressed with Johnson’s development.
“He’s got a complete game,” Reid said. “I think outside of Travon Walker, he’s the best run defender in this class (among edge rushers). I just think in terms of size and skill, he’s got all you want in the position.”
Reid said one drawback is Johnson is 23 and turns 24 in January, and the Vikings might want a younger player. And Johnson admitted at the combine that there is a “question mark” surrounding him since he’s had just “one year of really good production.”
Still, Johnson, as well as the top two cornerbacks, could be gone by the No. 12 pick. If that is the case, the Vikings could turn to the next best edge rusher, Purdue’s George Karlaftis. However, he likely could be snagged by trading down.
https://www.twincities.com/2022/04/22/if-vikings-draft-edge-rusher-in-first-round-it-could-be-eden-prairies-jermaine-johnson/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.
I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
If the top 2 corners & Hamilton are gone, this very well could be the choice. More pass rush? Yes please…!
@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
Edge wouldnt surprise me tbh...As a fan I wonder about the health of Zadarius and Hunter too. I dont know how high the ceilings are for the guys behind them?
Dont sleep on the IDL from the Dawgs D - the one not named Davidson. He could be a trade-down target if they go that route.
Most underrated player at the top of the draft IMO. But I tend to think he'll go higher than many expect. Inside the top 10. Of course, a couple QBs and WRs going early could change that. No thank you on Karlaftis.
@"MaroonBells" said: Most underrated player at the top of the draft IMO. But I tend to think he'll go higher than many expect. Inside the top 10. Of course, a couple QBs and WRs going early could change that. No thank you on Karlaftis.@ the bold....
Agreed - doesnt seem like the traits the Vikings are looking for.
Not sure how he's trending these days on everyones boards? I could see him going later in 1st, to one of those teams with 2 #1 picks.
Maybe high 2nd rd.
@"purplefaithful" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
Edge wouldnt surprise me tbh...As a fan I wonder about the health of Zadarius and Hunter too. I dont know how high the ceilings are for the guys behind them?Dont sleep on the IDL from the Dawgs D - the one not named Davidson. He could be a trade-down target if they go that route.
I'd be surprised with an edge unless they just don't trust that Hunter and Smith can stay on the field, but if that was the case, I don't see the highly analytical Kwesi signing them. Wonnum, Wilikes, Patrick Jones, and Robinson behind them. I think our edge group might be the best collective position group on the roster currently.
As far as Devonte Wyatt goes, there are a ton of background red flags on him and a lot of teams have taken him off theor draft boards. Arrested in February 2020 on a family violence charge and also involved in three other similar incidents. I can't see Kwesi rolling the dice on a guy like that in his first draft, especially on the heels of Jeff Gladney two years ago.
@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
Edge wouldnt surprise me tbh...As a fan I wonder about the health of Zadarius and Hunter too. I dont know how high the ceilings are for the guys behind them?Dont sleep on the IDL from the Dawgs D - the one not named Davidson. He could be a trade-down target if they go that route.
I'd be surprised with an edge unless they just don't trust that Hunter and Smith can stay on the field, but if that was the case, I don't see the highly analytical Kwesi signing them. Wonnum, Wilikes, Patrick Jones, and Robinson behind them. I think our edge group might be the best collective position group on the roster currently.
As far as Devonte Wyatt goes, there are a ton of background red flags on him and a lot of teams have taken him off theor draft boards. Arrested in February 2020 on a family violence charge and also involved in three other similar incidents. I can't see Kwesi rolling the dice on a guy like that in his first draft, especially on the heels of Jeff Gladney two years ago.
I did not know that!
@"purplefaithful" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
Edge wouldnt surprise me tbh...As a fan I wonder about the health of Zadarius and Hunter too. I dont know how high the ceilings are for the guys behind them?Dont sleep on the IDL from the Dawgs D - the one not named Davidson. He could be a trade-down target if they go that route.
I'd be surprised with an edge unless they just don't trust that Hunter and Smith can stay on the field, but if that was the case, I don't see the highly analytical Kwesi signing them. Wonnum, Wilikes, Patrick Jones, and Robinson behind them. I think our edge group might be the best collective position group on the roster currently.
As far as Devonte Wyatt goes, there are a ton of background red flags on him and a lot of teams have taken him off theor draft boards. Arrested in February 2020 on a family violence charge and also involved in three other similar incidents. I can't see Kwesi rolling the dice on a guy like that in his first draft, especially on the heels of Jeff Gladney two years ago.
I did not know that!Yup
Maybe Geoff could clue us in on where the team stands with him. The Vikings did have him in for a top 30 visit, but still a guy with a very checkered background.
@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
Edge wouldnt surprise me tbh...As a fan I wonder about the health of Zadarius and Hunter too. I dont know how high the ceilings are for the guys behind them?Dont sleep on the IDL from the Dawgs D - the one not named Davidson. He could be a trade-down target if they go that route.
I'd be surprised with an edge unless they just don't trust that Hunter and Smith can stay on the field, but if that was the case, I don't see the highly analytical Kwesi signing them. Wonnum, Wilikes, Patrick Jones, and Robinson behind them. I think our edge group might be the best collective position group on the roster currently.
As far as Devonte Wyatt goes, there are a ton of background red flags on him and a lot of teams have taken him off theor draft boards. Arrested in February 2020 on a family violence charge and also involved in three other similar incidents. I can't see Kwesi rolling the dice on a guy like that in his first draft, especially on the heels of Jeff Gladney two years ago.
I did not know that!Yup
Maybe Geoff could clue us in on where the team stands with him. The Vikings did have him in for a top 30 visit, but still a guy with a very checkered background.
He’s also already older than Irv Smith Jr who’s going into his 4th year in the league. After seeing that Browns GM cheat sheet from the other day, I think there’s about zero chance we draft Wyatt.
@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
I’m in the same boat as ZaDarius changed the situation quite a bit. If we draft another DE in the first round then that basically says Patrick Jones or J-Rob are gone in their second year. We already have Wonnum in there so you’re almost gambling with your first round pick becoming a 4th option
@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"purplefaithful" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
Edge wouldnt surprise me tbh...As a fan I wonder about the health of Zadarius and Hunter too. I dont know how high the ceilings are for the guys behind them?Dont sleep on the IDL from the Dawgs D - the one not named Davidson. He could be a trade-down target if they go that route.
I'd be surprised with an edge unless they just don't trust that Hunter and Smith can stay on the field, but if that was the case, I don't see the highly analytical Kwesi signing them. Wonnum, Wilikes, Patrick Jones, and Robinson behind them. I think our edge group might be the best collective position group on the roster currently.
As far as Devonte Wyatt goes, there are a ton of background red flags on him and a lot of teams have taken him off theor draft boards. Arrested in February 2020 on a family violence charge and also involved in three other similar incidents. I can't see Kwesi rolling the dice on a guy like that in his first draft, especially on the heels of Jeff Gladney two years ago.
I did not know that!Yup
Maybe Geoff could clue us in on where the team stands with him. The Vikings did have him in for a top 30 visit, but still a guy with a very checkered background.
He is on quite a few teams boards, but there are background concerns with him. I imagine the Vikings had him in on a top 30 for this reason specifically.
On Johnson, Daniel Jeremiah has him ranked above Kayvon Thibedeaux in his final pre-draft rankings and they just mocked him at #3 overall to Houston in their final mock draft.
@"Hawkvike25" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
I’m in the same boat as ZaDarius changed the situation quite a bit. If we draft another DE in the first round then that basically says Patrick Jones or J-Rob are gone in their second year. We already have Wonnum in there so you’re almost gambling with your first round pick becoming a 4th option
IMO, pass rushers are always a BPA option and will be for us in the 1st round. But I agree, OLB is not a need for us and not a position we should be picking past the 1st round. I know it's a deep class, but I doubt we pick one at all.One thing that might argue against that is scheme fit. Who knows what the new regime thinks about Wonnum, J-Rob, PJII.
@"MaroonBells" said:@"Hawkvike25" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
I’m in the same boat as ZaDarius changed the situation quite a bit. If we draft another DE in the first round then that basically says Patrick Jones or J-Rob are gone in their second year. We already have Wonnum in there so you’re almost gambling with your first round pick becoming a 4th option
IMO, pass rushers are always a BPA option and will be for us in the 1st round. But I agree, OLB is not a need for us and not a position we should be picking past the 1st round. I know it's a deep class, but I doubt we pick one at all.One thing that might argue against that is scheme fit. Who knows what the new regime thinks about Wonnum, J-Rob, PJII.
There is also the long-term considerations though. Even if EDGE isn't a need Z'Darius and Hunter both have durability questions and you can use Johnson now in a rotation. By next year you can save $10M by cutting/trading Za'Darius. So although you aren't drafting for need, thats $10M you open up next year. I'd argue there is more value in that vs. a receiver.
@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"Hawkvike25" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
I’m in the same boat as ZaDarius changed the situation quite a bit. If we draft another DE in the first round then that basically says Patrick Jones or J-Rob are gone in their second year. We already have Wonnum in there so you’re almost gambling with your first round pick becoming a 4th option
IMO, pass rushers are always a BPA option and will be for us in the 1st round. But I agree, OLB is not a need for us and not a position we should be picking past the 1st round. I know it's a deep class, but I doubt we pick one at all.One thing that might argue against that is scheme fit. Who knows what the new regime thinks about Wonnum, J-Rob, PJII.
There is also the long-term considerations though. Even if EDGE isn't a need Z'Darius and Hunter both have durability questions and you can use Johnson now in a rotation. By next year you can save $10M by cutting/trading Za'Darius. So although you aren't drafting for need, thats $10M you open up next year. I'd argue there is more value in that vs. a receiver.
Theilen’s cap hit next year is like $20M so drafting a WR to replace him makes sense to me too. DE would be good too though, I agree.
@"pattersaur" said:@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"Hawkvike25" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
I’m in the same boat as ZaDarius changed the situation quite a bit. If we draft another DE in the first round then that basically says Patrick Jones or J-Rob are gone in their second year. We already have Wonnum in there so you’re almost gambling with your first round pick becoming a 4th option
IMO, pass rushers are always a BPA option and will be for us in the 1st round. But I agree, OLB is not a need for us and not a position we should be picking past the 1st round. I know it's a deep class, but I doubt we pick one at all.One thing that might argue against that is scheme fit. Who knows what the new regime thinks about Wonnum, J-Rob, PJII.
There is also the long-term considerations though. Even if EDGE isn't a need Z'Darius and Hunter both have durability questions and you can use Johnson now in a rotation. By next year you can save $10M by cutting/trading Za'Darius. So although you aren't drafting for need, thats $10M you open up next year. I'd argue there is more value in that vs. a receiver.
Theilen’s cap hit next year is like $20M so drafting a WR to replace him makes sense to me too. DE would be good too though, I agree.
Really!? $20mm??That aint going to happen...
Couple that with: How much 11 personnel KOC will probably play + JJ new contract?
Nobody should be surprised if they draft a WR earlier vs later.
@"purplefaithful" said:@"pattersaur" said:@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"Hawkvike25" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
I’m in the same boat as ZaDarius changed the situation quite a bit. If we draft another DE in the first round then that basically says Patrick Jones or J-Rob are gone in their second year. We already have Wonnum in there so you’re almost gambling with your first round pick becoming a 4th option
IMO, pass rushers are always a BPA option and will be for us in the 1st round. But I agree, OLB is not a need for us and not a position we should be picking past the 1st round. I know it's a deep class, but I doubt we pick one at all.One thing that might argue against that is scheme fit. Who knows what the new regime thinks about Wonnum, J-Rob, PJII.
There is also the long-term considerations though. Even if EDGE isn't a need Z'Darius and Hunter both have durability questions and you can use Johnson now in a rotation. By next year you can save $10M by cutting/trading Za'Darius. So although you aren't drafting for need, thats $10M you open up next year. I'd argue there is more value in that vs. a receiver.
Theilen’s cap hit next year is like $20M so drafting a WR to replace him makes sense to me too. DE would be good too though, I agree.
Really!?$20mm??
That aint going to happen...Couple that with how much 11 personnel KOC will probably play? Nobody should be surprised if they draft a WR earlier vs later.
Yeah Thielen's a 19.9 million cap hit in 2023 and a 21 million hit in 2024. Good chance this is his last year in Minnesota unless he restructures at a hugely reduced rate. So the argument could certainly be made that it would be even more beneficial to take a WR over an EDGE rusher from a future cap savings standpoint, if that was the argument to be made.Just my opinion on the EDGE guys, but there is an almost 100% chance the top four prospects will be off the board by the time the Vikings pick at #12. There is growing chatter that the Jags are going to take Travon Walker with the top pick. If that happens the Lions will take Hutchinson at #2 and it pushes the value of Johnson and Thibedeaux, who will also come off the board shortly after. Again, as far as the Vikings go, I firmly believe the pick will come down to Stingley (Sauce will be gone), Kyle Hamilton, one of the receivers, or a trade down.
So to build on that...
4 edges
1 qb (maybe 2)
1 WR
Hamilton
Sauce & Stingley
That could very well be the top 10...Vikings have to hope some of those teams with QB needs (and two #1 picks) make moves up.
That top 10 scenario seems highly likely and it wouldn't leave me very happy either.
@"pattersaur" said:@"Geoff Nichols" said:@"MaroonBells" said:@"Hawkvike25" said:@"supafreak84" said: Johnson is a great prospect and I've been high on him since about midway through the college season, but after retaining Hunter and our big splash signing in free agency being Zadarius Smith, I just don't see edge being the pick. We also have some intriguing young guys behind those two starters.I'm feeling pretty good that if Hamilton, Sauce, and Stingley are all off the board at #12...the pick is going to be a WR or they trade out of the pick.
I’m in the same boat as ZaDarius changed the situation quite a bit. If we draft another DE in the first round then that basically says Patrick Jones or J-Rob are gone in their second year. We already have Wonnum in there so you’re almost gambling with your first round pick becoming a 4th option
IMO, pass rushers are always a BPA option and will be for us in the 1st round. But I agree, OLB is not a need for us and not a position we should be picking past the 1st round. I know it's a deep class, but I doubt we pick one at all.One thing that might argue against that is scheme fit. Who knows what the new regime thinks about Wonnum, J-Rob, PJII.
There is also the long-term considerations though. Even if EDGE isn't a need Z'Darius and Hunter both have durability questions and you can use Johnson now in a rotation. By next year you can save $10M by cutting/trading Za'Darius. So although you aren't drafting for need, thats $10M you open up next year. I'd argue there is more value in that vs. a receiver.
Theilen’s cap hit next year is like $20M so drafting a WR to replace him makes sense to me too. DE would be good too though, I agree.
$20M is true but his contract is a choose your own adventure after 2022. There are really 3 options:- Option 1 (least likely): Cut after the season saves them $6.4M but straddles them with $13.6M in dead money.
- Option 2 (not that likely): Cut Post-Jun 1 after the season saves them $13.5M on the 23' cap but leaves $6.5M in dead money in 23' and another $7M in dead money in 24'.
- Option 3 (kind of likely): They play him out on the $20M cap hit
- Option 4 (most likely): They move $5-6M of the 23' cap hit into 24' making his cap hit more like $13-15M while keeping the future dead money around $10M. So the outcome being a cut after the 23' season with a benefit of about $10M and dead money of $10M.
@"purplefaithful" said: So to build on that...4 edges
1 qb (maybe 2)
1 WR
Hamilton
Sauce & StingleyThat could very well be the top 10...Vikings have to hope some of those teams with QB needs (and two #1 picks) make moves up.
That top 10 scenario seems highly likely and it wouldn't leave me very happy either.
Add 2-3 OT to top 10. Much better.
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