Jermaine Johnson's draft stock is soaring ahead of the NFL Draft

Former Florida State pass rusher Jermaine Johnson could be one of the first players taken in the NFL Draft on Thursday evening.

Johnson, who won ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021, could slip into the top-10 or even top-5, per a report.

That’s according to Jordan Raanan, who covers the New York Giants for ESPN’s NFL Nation.

A player who will go higher Thursday than most seem to expect is FSU edge rusher Jermaine Johnson. Some I spoke with believe he will ultimately be best pass rusher in this draft. Seems to be a Top 10 lock. Maybe even sneaks into Top 5? #nfldraft

— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 25, 2022

Last season, Johnson totaled 11.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. He also deflected 2 passes, forced 2 fumbles and scored 1 touchdown. It was his lone campaign at Florida State after spending the previous 2 years at Georgia.

Johnson is one of the top pass rushers in this class. Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson and Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux are widely considered to be the best in this cycle, but Johnson isn’t far behind.

In CBS Sports’ latest mock draft, Johnson is slated to be picked No. 14 overall by the Baltimore Ravens. The same mock has NC State’s Ikem Ekwonu going No. 1 overall to Jacksonville.

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday night.