Now that Ejiro Evero is on the headsets, the Carolina Panthers will be running out some varied looks on defense. So, why not go get a player who has a wealth of variety?
With the second of two selections on Friday night, general manager Scott Fitterer—who had been pounding the drum for a pass rusher over the last few months—grabbed University of Oregon defender DJ Johnson. That opportunity arose when the Panthers shimmied into the 80th overall pick with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who took Carolina’s third-rounder (93rd) and a fourth (132nd) for the outside linebacker.
Oh, and he’s been more than just a backer.
After transferring out of the University of Miami following a quiet 2017 campaign, Johnson made a little noise up and down the Ducks defense. In addition to manning the middle, the 6-foot-4, 260-pounder played as low as the line of scrimmage and as high as the safety spot—totaling 64 tackles and 9.0 sacks over four seasons.
As if that wasn’t enough, Johnson also played some tight end between 2020 and 2021. He even reeled in 11 balls for 124 yards.
The closer!
After reeling in an 11-yard catch for a first down on the Ducks' previous offensive drive, DJ Johnson secured the W with a sack on the final play of the game.#GoDucks | @DJThaPredator pic.twitter.com/DPQJ8vZQ6b
— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) September 11, 2021
While it’s a fun thought to have a football version of Shohei Ohtani, expect Johnson to challenge for most of his snaps as an edge defender. His strength and speed, as evidenced by his blazing 4.49-second 40-yard dash, will make him—at the very least—an intriguing part of the rotation alongside Brian Burns, Marquis Haynes Sr. and Yetur Gross-Matos.
