Former Texas A&M safety quietly had a 2025 breakout year that no one saw coming

The Jacksonville Jaguars looked like one of the sleeper teams in 2025. Trevor Lawrence had a lot to do with that, but more fans should be talking about the underrated play from former Texas A&M safety Antonio Johnson.

In 2024, Johnson significantly improved his minutes from his rookie year, but didn't show enough with only a 43.8 grade, according to Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus. Now, Johnson has gone on a tear in 2025, with an 86.9 PFF grade, the best among all NFL safeties.

This was bound to happen, as Johnson quickly became a top-notch safety at Texas A&M. It was only a matter of time until he became one of the best at his position in the NFL.

Antonio Johnson puts up the best PFF grade for a safety in 2025

"Johnson’s exemplary play in coverage was the driving force for his lift off, allowing just 202 yards while snagging five interceptions. His 87.6 PFF coverage grade led all safeties."

Thomas Valentine

If you aren't impressed by that, Johnson finished with a higher grade than Minkah Fitzpatrick, Bryan Cook, Jalen Pitre and Kyle Hamilton, some of the NFL's best safeties. While Kevin Byard III led the safety category in interceptions with seven, Johnson tied two others with five.

At 6-foot-2, Johnson has exceptional size to play elite coverage and tackle well. Johnson has a good enough frame to go at tight ends and stop runs. He already had the raw size to compete in the NFL. He just had to work more for it.

A&M fans won't be surprised, though, as he finished Second-team All-SEC in 2021 and First-team All-SEC in 2022. What's most surprising is that he took the league by storm when very few saw it coming. His next step has never been more obvious, and that's to make it to the Pro Bowl.