After an impressive sophomore jump that resulted in a Pro Bowl selection, Jets pass rusher Jermaine Johnson wasn't tipping his hand for what's in store for Year 3.

"We'll see," Johnson said after Monday's practice. "That's what camp is for and these preseason joint practices coming up. I always say take the new car out for a spin. Can't see it until you take it to the track."

He added of joint practices: "I love it. You get annoyed of hitting your own guys. It doesn't really interest you too much, but when you see a different color out there, at least for me, it's time to bang."

The Green & White will practice against the Commanders on Thursday at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center before their preseason game at 12 p.m. on Saturday.

Through the first 10 practices of camp, a handful of players have mentioned that Johnson has taken a step as a leader, like his fellow third-year players WR Garrett Wilson and CB Sauce Gardner.

"I'm just a big guy on you have to earn your keep and your role on the team based on what you do," Johnson said. "I feel like I had a decent year last year and I feel like there are some guys looking to me a little bit more as a leader. It's just my job to be more vocal and figure out different guys styles and what they respond to best. Not everyone reacts to the same amount of encouragement and stuff like that. I'm trying to be more vocal like that and see what makes guys go and using those to get them going if they're feeling low."

One player he's given advice to is second-year pass rusher Will McDonald, who, perhaps unfairly, is frequently asked about Johnson's jump and how he can replicate it. Both are first-round picks -- McDonald was drafted No. 15 overall and Johnson No. 26. McDonald had 3 sacks as a rookie (Johnson had 2.5 his first season) and took 184 snaps on defense (Johnson 312).

"It's one of the things I tell him, don't compare yourself to me," Johnson said. "You're your own man, you're running your own race. Don't let the outside noise compare the Year 2 to Jermaine or whatever. We're two different players. He's much more bendy than I am and I'm a little more powerful than he is, but I definitely offer anything I can in terms of what I think I've learned along the way.

"Will is running his race and running it very well as far as I'm concerned. That's what I love about football, you have to go play it and prove it. I'm excited for him to do just that."

Johnson credited playing at a higher level in Year 2 to the changes to his body following his rookie season. He played with more physicality and skill, which the stats mirror, but head coach Robert Saleh said Johnson's mindset was the catalyst to his success.

"Last year I thought he really took a jump because of his mindset because of the way he attacked every day and the way he played every play like it was going to be his last," Saleh said. "If he maintains that same mindset, he'll naturally get better because his skill level will increase. He's a guy that everybody looks to for leadership. He's a tremendous presence on this football team and I just love his mindset the way he tries to get better every single day."

He added: "It's one thing to have that, it's another thing to demonstrate it play in and play out."