Buffalo Bills: Jaquan Johnson makes PFF’s Preseason All-Rookie team
The Buffalo Bills had one player named to Pro Football Focus’ Preseason All-Rookie team.
The Buffalo Bills are entering a season where they expect three or four rookies to play significant roles on this team. That group includes defensive tackle Ed Oliver, running back Devin Singletary, offensive linemen Cody Ford, and tight ends Dawson Knox and Tommy Sweeney.
However, it was safety Jaquan Johnson that really stood out this preseason and he made Pro Football Focus’ Preseason All-Rookie team. They wrote the following about the sixth round pick:
"S Jaquan Johnson, Buffalo Bills – 85.3Bills sixth-rounder Jaquan Johnson made a name for himself in Week 3 of the preseason when he recorded a 97.7 overall grade. Johnson played all over the field during the preseason, but really shined at free safety with a 94.3 overall grade, three pass breakups and a forced fumble."
Johnson had an impressive preseason and was the team’s leading tackler with 27, eight more than the next player on the Bills, to go along with a forced fumble and three pass breakups that PFF notes.
The forced fumble was one of those plays this preseason that critical to the team remaining undefeated. It happened in the third preseason game against the Detroit Lions with the Bills trying to hold onto a 24-20 lead.
However, the Lions were driving and completed a 15-yard pass to Travis Fulgham that was about to move them into the red zone. Johnson, instead of going for the tackle, attacked the ball and was able to rip it away from the Lions’ wide receiver.
While Johnson played well this preseason, it is unlikely he sees much playing time at safety this season, barring an injury. The depth at the safety position is one of the strengths for the Buffalo Bills. The duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer is one of the best in the NFL and after them they have veterans like Dean Marlowe and Kurt Coleman.
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This is a good group of players to have in the position room to help Johnson grow and in a year or two he can be ready to step into a starter role for this defense.