'Dope Experience!' Ex-Rebel Cedric Johnson Discusses Journey to 2024 NFL Draft

Former Ole Miss Rebels defensive end Cedric Johnson recently opened up about his pre-draft experience at the 2024 NFL Combine.

Former Ole Miss Rebels defensive end Cedric Johnson is in the process of taking the next step in his football career, as the 2024 NFL Combine is underway in Indianapolis from Feb. 27-March 3. 

The 6-foot-3, 265-pound lineman took part in the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl at the beginning of February and is now being tested physically and mentally by NFL scouts at the Combine. Johnson was interviewed on Wednesday by NFL reporter Turron Davenport, and the former Rebel spoke about his experience at the senior bowl from earlier this month.

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"Just tried to take everything in," Johnson told Davenport. "Being from Mobile, it was a dope experience. Got to meet some of the coaches, take in some of their knowledge, and it was just dope playing against the best guys from college."

Johnson was coached by Tennessee Titans assistant head coach Terrell Williams at the senior bowl and was grateful to learn from an NFL veteran.

"He's a great coach," Johnson said of Williams. "Just tried to soak in as much as I could. I was taking notes in the meeting room and just completely bought in."

The Titans have taken an interest in Johnson, as he also had an informal meeting with Tennessee, per Davenport. 

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Johnson has been interviewed by multiple teams since the pre-draft process began, but he finally got to show off his athleticism at the Combine on Thursday, and his results can be found below.

40-yard dash: 4.64 seconds (4th among edge rushers)

10-yard split: 1.61 seconds (5th)

Vertical Jump: 38.00 inches (1st)

Broad Jump: 10'2" (7th)

Bench Press: 25 reps (7th)

In 2023, Johnson recorded 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries in 12 games with the Rebels.