The 2023 NFL Draft class features a stacked group of defensive players. One of the more versatile players in the nation after contributing in all three phases, Oregon EDGE DJ Johnson is a name to watch as the draft approaches.
While most of the conversation is often focused on the top names in the class, what does Johnson’s scouting report suggest about his NFL draft stock?
DJ Johnson NFL Draft Profile
- Position: EDGE
- School: Oregon
- Year: Redshirt Senior
A consensus four-star prospect out of Luther Burbank High School in California, Johnson was recruited by darn near every college in the nation (over 100 scholarship offers).
Selected to the 2017 Under Armor All-American game, Johnson, a top-10 player in the state of California and at the defensive end position, initially committed to the University of Miami, where he played in eight games as a true freshman, including during the ACC Championship Game against then-No. 1 ranked Clemson and in the Orange Bowl against No. 6 Wisconsin.
Yet, after his initial success, Johnson surprised many when he announced he would be transferring from the program. Johnson tweeted that he had a close family member going through severe health issues and wanted to be closer to home. He was given a list of West Coast schools to choose from but quickly chose the University of Oregon.
Johnson was forced to sit out the 2018 season due to transfer rules and played well as a redshirt sophomore in 2019, appearing in 13 games and becoming one of just two players in the nation with at least seven tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and a forced fumble in a single game.
2020 proved to be a tumultuous year, both for the world but also for Johnson, who saw himself switch from defensive end to tight end. He saw some early success, catching 10 passes for 113 yards and three touchdowns.
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Contributing both tackles for loss and touchdowns, Johnson continued to be one of the most versatile players in the country as a junior. He was active in all three phases while playing in 11 of 14 games. Johnson finished with 11 total tackles (eight solo), two tackles for loss, and a sack on defense, but he also added a catch for 11 yards on offense.
As part of a talented Oregon defense, Johnson returned to the defensive side of the ball full-time, making 10 starts before opting out of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft. Johnson led the Ducks with a career-high six sacks, which tied for the fifth-most in the conference. Additionally, he was second on the team with 8.5 tackles for loss and totaled 39 tackles with 15 solo stops on the season.
A Phil Steele All-Pac 12 fourth-team honoree and coaches Pac-12 All-Conference honorable mention, Johnson has put together some solid momentum following a quality performance at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.
Johnson measured in at 6’4 “and 260 pounds and ran the fourth-fastest time among all edge rushers with a 4.49 40-yard dash — 1.59 10-yard split. He was also fourth on the bench with 28 reps but struggled in the explosive measurements with only a 32″ vertical (20th) and a 9’2″ broad jump (30th of 31).
But this is only one piece of the pie. What does the scouting report suggest for Johnson following a long but successful college career in Eugene?
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for DJ Johnson
DJ Johnson Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 260 pounds
- Arm Length: 33 1/4″
- Hand Size: 9″
- Bench Press: 28 reps
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.49 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 32″
- Broad Jump: 9’2″
Oregon EDGE DJ Johnson Current Draft Projection
If you need an edge rusher, you’re in luck, as the 2023 NFL Draft class features one of the most talented EDGE groups in recent years and likely has the most depth of any position in this class.
While Will Anderson Jr., Nolan Smith, and other high-profile names steal headlines, there is value to be had later on, which is the case for Johnson. Currently, Johnson is the 11th-ranked OLB and the 108th overall prospect on Tony Pauline’s Big Board. With a grade of 3.62, Johnson is currently projected to go somewhere around the end of the third round.
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Johnson has a solid athletic profile, but he is still extremely raw as a pass rusher, which is somewhat concerning given that he is an older prospect at 24 years old.
Johnson’s athletic upside could allow for a significant ceiling as a true force attacking off the edge. However, as his scouting profile alludes, there is also a lot of risk for a Day 2 his prospect lacking development at the college level.
