6’5” / 260 lbs

Johnson displays impressive strength at the point of attack. He can hit with violence, and he also uses his strength to disengage from blockers.

The Florida State defensive end also possesses a tidy arsenal of pass-rush moves. He showcased spin, swipe, swim moves, and a potent bull rush. Johnson also has the length to ensure he can be disruptive at the point of attack in multiple ways.

Not the most physical run-stuffer but has excellent lateral quickness and agility and does a decent job setting the edge. 

Also has some scheme versatility since he has lined up both as a 3-4 OLB and 4-3 DE. It’ll be interesting to see where he ends up.

Bottom line: High-ceiling prospect with as much physical potential as any edge rusher in the 2022 draft, but needs a little more polish.

Draft projection; mid to late first round 

He's 2 years older than most of the guys who will be drafted, but he has the size and production you want in a first round pick.

I think Kayvon, Aidan, Ojabo, and Karlaftis will all go ahead of him.

His competition for the 5th DE spot will be Drake Jackson, Kingsley Enagbare, and Myjai Sanders.

Will be interesting to see how he tests at the combine.

1 minute ago, D-Shiznit said:

He's 2 years older than most of the guys who will be drafted, but he has the size and production you want in a first round pick.

I think Kayvon, Aidon, Ojabo, and Karlaftis will all go ahead of him.

His competition for the 5th DE spot will be Drake Jackson, Kingsley Enagbare, and Myjai Sanders.

Will be interesting to see how he tests at the combine.

Indeed!

Created the thread because a) DE is arguably our most dire need and b) since we’re picking twice in the teens and likely one time in the twenties, he’ll be in our range.

With Hutch and Thibodeaux likely winding up top 5 picks and Karlaftis and Ojabo possibly off the board, Johnson, Sanders and Enagbare are potential targets. Don’t consider Jackson a fit here...

I think he’ll test really well. Knock on him is age and polish. He’s the type of player the Ravens and Steelers like to select. Not sure yet if he’s a better fit at 4-3 end or 3-4 OLB. Think he can play both.

From what limited highlights I had seen from him so far, it appears he's used more as a 3-4 OLB, so possibly not the best scheme fit for us. However, a deeper dive into his tape may show differently with him aligned as a 4-3 DE.

29 minutes ago, eaglesfan0075 said:

From what limited highlights I had seen from him so far, it appears he's used more as a 3-4 OLB, so possibly not the best scheme fit for us. However, a deeper dive into his tape may show differently with him aligned as a 4-3 DE.

There’s some here...

 

27 minutes ago, eaglesfan0075 said:

From what limited highlights I had seen from him so far, it appears he's used more as a 3-4 OLB, so possibly not the best scheme fit for us. However, a deeper dive into his tape may show differently with him aligned as a 4-3 DE.

I think this will depend on direction Gannon wants to go with the scheme.  It appears that Gannon wants to get to a hybrid front where they can shift from 4-3 to 3-4 with Buck-style rushers at DE/OLB.  If that is the case there are a slew of OLB/DE candidates that could be on their radar.

Personally I would welcome the change if it meant investment into more LB and more variety in which 4 of the front 7 rush the passer with more blitz options. (yes I like aggressive D)

Bring him in for an official visit 

Regarding his age, he turns 23 years old this month. That's not a big deal to be honest.

1 hour ago, D-Shiznit said:

Regarding his age, he turns 23 years old this month. That's not a big deal to be honest.

Agreed - it’s not like he’s a raw or marginally productive 23 year-old. He’s had a great year at FSU, and was an asset at UGA as well.  Doubling down on DL in the 1st, might be the way to go.

28 sacks through 16 games vs the tomato cans we faced, oof 28th in the league is not good place to be - it’s time to get serious about rebuilding this defense. It might seem extreme, but the first 4 picks are our starting DL in 2023 - as Fletch, BG and Hargrave will be gone. Sweat is on an OK contract as a pass rush specialist, Milton Williams looks solid within 3T rotation/ 3-man line sub package.

I'm not sure I like that he's 2 years older than the other top edge rusher in this class. I know we have no chance at Kayvon and Aidan but we have a chance at some of those in the next bracket down. 

9 hours ago, Waiting4Someday said:

Agreed - it’s not like he’s a raw or marginally productive 23 year-old. He’s had a great year at FSU, and was an asset at UGA as well.  Doubling down on DL in the 1st, might be the way to go.

Agreed, he’s 23 years old, not 25 or something.

Age should be a non factor. He has the size, talent, and production you want. That’s what matters.

I like Johnson a lot better than Ojabo and Leal. The "everyone look at me” stuff is kind of annoying, but he seems to be a super high energy guy. Plus, Johnson has had to work for everything he’s ever gotten on the big time football stage. That’s why he’s slightly older. IMO, this factor makes up for the age difference.

I’d be happy with the edge from Penn State (Ebiketie) or Travon Walker (Georgia), too.

Johnson is having a great Senior Bowl week.

Scouts are raving about him. Has cemented himself as a first rounder and could even go top 20 if he a) keeps it up and b) tests and interviews well at the combine.

 

On 2/4/2022 at 4:30 PM, NJWolverEagle11 said:

 

If I had to find a comp for him it would be HOFer Michael Strahan.

3 hours ago, EagleVA said:

If I had to find a comp for him it would be HOFer Michael Strahan.

If he ends up on our side that's good

This guy has Eagles written all over him. Please come to Philly and allow us to love number 11 again. 🤣

6 hours ago, ibleedgreen1990 said:

This guy has Eagles written all over him. Please come to Philly and allow us to love number 11 again. 🤣

As a Scorpio 11 is my number regardless

looks like he turned a lot of heads at the senior  bowl i’ve seen a number of mocks with him going before 15 now

On 1/4/2022 at 7:34 PM, D-Shiznit said:

Regarding his age, he turns 23 years old this month. That's not a big deal to be honest.

Agreed. And he hasnt had NFL coaching, so if he is still rough in some areas its not really concerning. This is a mid-late 1st rounder we are talking about

We need to get younger and better at DE so I'd be cool drafting this player with any of our mid round 1st picks.  He has the tools and should get better with good coaching. 

He is climbing. Could see him go as high as DE#3. Would be ecstatic if we landed him with one of our 3 first rounders. 

Side note - Always thought he was one of the normal kids on Last Chance U.

 

On 1/4/2022 at 10:16 PM, Waiting4Someday said:

28 sacks through 16 games vs the tomato cans we faced, oof 28th in the league is not good place to be - it’s time to get serious about rebuilding this defense. It might seem extreme, but the first 4 picks are our starting DL in 2023 - as Fletch, BG and Hargrave will be gone. Sweat is on an OK contract as a pass rush specialist, Milton Williams looks solid within 3T rotation/ 3-man line sub package.

Wow, I think you can make a reasonable argument for doubling up on edge rushers in Round 1, but one of those first rounders ideally should be used on something else or rolled over into a 2023 1st rounder in a trade down.

There's too many needs across the board for us without us reaching for a player to take 3 EDGE rushers in the first round IMO.

1 hour ago, eaglesfan0075 said:

Wow, I think you can make a reasonable argument for doubling up on edge rushers in Round 1, but one of those first rounders ideally should be used on something else or rolled over into a 2023 1st rounder in a trade down.

There's too many needs across the board for us without us reaching for a player to take 3 EDGE rushers in the first round IMO.

Sure - I’ve moderated a bit and am hoping for 2x DE in the 1st now (and JD99 or Burks). Trading back for a 2023 1st is the dream, but if we are willing to pass on these QBs why would anyone tradeup… please DET make this happen!

Also, at the time I thought Travon was a 3T and similar to Milton Williams. He’s still my favorite as a base end now.