Patrick Johnson 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 240 pounds
School: Tulane Green Wave
Pro Day Performance Data
40-yard Dash: 4.59 seconds
Vertical Jump: 35″
Broad Jump: 9’11”
Bench Press: 16 reps
Patrick Johnson 2021 NFL Draft Profile
After playing sparingly in his freshman season, Patrick Johnson broke out in his sophomore year with the Tulane Green Wave. Johnson had his best season with 49 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Following this season, Johnson was recognized for his play and was named to the First Team All-AAC. In his entire collegiate career, Johnson has accumulated 132 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, 11 pass defenses, and 6 forced fumbles including a school record of 24.5 sacks. He was later named to Second Team All-AAC after an injury-riddled junior season. However, Johnson played all 13 games and showed grit by playing through his injuries. During his senior season, a healthy Johnson was able to rack up 14.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks with 39 total run stops. In 2020, Johnson was named to First Team All-AAC.
Patrick Johnson was a three-year starter playing on the edge for the Tulane Green Wave defense. Johnson was able to display his versatility by playing as a five-technique defense end, a three-technique defensive tackle, and as an outside linebacker where his responsibilities included pass-rushing, covering the flats, and playing man to man against running backs. His position depended on the situation and where the team needed him. Unfortunately, Johnson will not be able to show his flexibility at the next level. Because he lost 15 pounds since the end of the 2020 season, it will be difficult to see Johnson playing on the defensive line. However, Johnson will be able to display his athletic ability and playmaking with increased speed and agility due to the weight loss.
Strengths
- Explosive first step;
- High IQ;
- Sets the edge against the run;
- Strong and powerful hands with good timing and hand placement;
- High effort and motor.
Weaknesses
- Length and frame;
- Struggles in man coverage;
- Secondary pass-rushing moves;
- Lacks consistency in tackling;
- Limited ceiling as an NFL player.
NFL Comparison: Defensive End Derek Barnett
Teams With Need at Position: San Fransisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans
Final Word on Patrick Johnson
Patrick Johnson may never become a Pro Bowler. But with his skill set and potential, his ceiling is a high-end backup or a low-end starter. It is very conceivable to see him become an early-down starter with his ability to stop the run. His body is prototypical for an outside linebacker in a 3-4 hybrid front. Because Johnson is playing at 240 pounds, he might be too small to consistently play as a defensive end. However, Johnson has the versatility to play with his hand in the dirt sparingly considering his history in college.
Because of Johnson’s short arms, he will not be able to blow people away early in his career, but with his intensity and high motor, coaches and opposing offenses will notice that he is one of those players all teams need. Johnson has the speed and knack for making plays to make his presence felt on special teams early in his career. As the primary rusher on Tulane, he was the most productive player on defense. In the NFL, he will not receive the same attention. Because of that, Johnson will see more one-on-one situations. In the event that he gets drafted to a team with seasoned veterans, his untapped potential could emerge with a little refinement. Johnson has the ability to be one of those late-round gems.
Draft Projection: Late Fourth to late Sixth Round
