Mehta’s Top 20 Jets Countdown: No. 14, Trumaine Johnson, corner

The 2019 Jets have new uniforms, new coaches and a new general manager, but one familiar question remains after an unexpected shakeup after the draft: Are these the ‘Same Old Jets’?

Mike Maccagnan added some quality pieces before getting fired in May, but has this star-crossed franchise done enough to break an eight-year playoff drought?

I’ll be revealing my Top 20 players on the roster every weekday for the next four weeks in the run-up to training camp.

The list is made up of the players who I think will make the most impact for Adam Gase’s team this season. We’re not ranking guys solely based on past accomplishments. Get ready for some surprises with our projections.

No. 14: Trumaine Johnson

2018 ranking: 3 Position: Cornerback Age at the start of the season: 29

2019 salary cap charge: $12 million

Contract status: Second year of a five-year, $72.5 million deal

2018 Season in Review: Johnson came in as the big free-agent splash, but had an underwhelming first season. A nagging right quad strain prompted him to miss five consecutive games from Weeks 5-9 before Todd Bowles benched him for the season finale due to repeated tardiness.

Johnson had four interceptions, including a picksix, but had a career low five passes defensed in 10 games.

“Last year was last year and that was my fault for sure,” Johnson said. “A clean slate is definitely good for me.”

2009 Outlook:

Gang Green understandably wasn’t pleased on the first-year return on their massive investment that will net Johnson $45 million in the first three years, but there’s optimism that the player can get back on track with Gregg Williams. After all, it wasn’t that long ago that Johnson was a contributor for Williams’ defenses with the Rams.

Johnson had a career year in Williams’ scheme in 2015 (seven interceptions, 17 passes defenses, 71 tackles).

“His best years were when we were together,” Williams said. “He’s really motivated. He understands me. I understand him. It’s my job to try to help him be the best he can be. He’s excited. I’ve been excited about the work that he has put in here. … There’s a good familiarity there. I can’t wait to get back in games together, because he and I have had some really good moments together.”

Johnson will be the clearcut No. 1 cornerback again in a secondary that comes with its fair share of questions. It wouldn’t make much financial sense to cut Johnson after 2019, but you never know with Adam Gase, who has a history of cutting the cord quickly if a player just isn’t working out.

To Johnson’s credit, he showed up for the offseason program in terrific shape. He seems to have the right mindset too. He’s good enough to have a bounce back campaign to help the Jets break their eight-year playoff drought.

“I’ve always been a team guy,” Johnson said. “So, I’d love to win here.”

Next on the Countdown: A veteran presence with a great responsibility.