NY Jets DE Jermaine Johnson calls out critic over misleading article

When the NY Jets traded up into the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft to select defensive end Jermaine Johnson, the team obviously had high hopes for the former Florida State standout.

Johnson was limited to a part-time role in his first season with the Jets, due primarily to the team's excellent defensive line depth. He still played well in those limited snaps, and the Jets firmly believe he will be a part of the organization's future.

Not everyone feels the same way, however. The Draft Network's Justin Melo recently released an article detailing how Johnson was entering a "make-or-break season" in 2023.

Melo highlighted Johnson's lack of playing time in year one and the team's selection of Will McDonald in the first round of this year's draft, suggesting that time could be running out for Johnson to make an impact.

Johnson stumbled upon this article on Twitter. It's safe to say that he has a different opinion.

NY Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson is NOT entering a make-or-break season

Johnson scoffed at the notion that he was entering a make-or-break season, insisting that he made the most of his limited playing time as a rookie. The former first-round pick then stated that he would "earn" more snaps in the future.

In 14 games as a rookie, Johnson finished with 2.5 sacks, five QB hits, and three tackles for loss. The box score numbers don't tell the whole story, however.

Johnson was on the field for just 27 percent of the Jets' defensive snaps last season. Despite this, he still managed to rank first among all rookie defensive ends in pressure rate, QB hit rate, and sack rate on true pass sets.

He also ranked fourth among 220 qualified defensive linemen in defensive stop rate. Johnson's 71.7 Pro Football Focus grade ranked 38th among 118 qualified edge defenders and sixth among rookies.

Johnson was productive and efficient in limited playing time as a rookie. There might still be a logjam toward the top of the Jets' defensive end depth chart, but the team still clearly has big plans for him.

Carl Lawson is set to be a free agent at the end of the season, which could free up more opportunities for guys like Johnson and McDonald. The Jets also have flexibility with John Franklin-Myers' contract to move on if need be.

The opportunities will come for Jermaine Johnson. All he has to do is continue maximizing his playing time.