Raiders Draft Prospect: Defensive End Johnson of Ole Miss
The Las Vegas Raiders will soon add to their roster through the 2024 NFL Draft, looking to build a young group that can play for the future and help them win in the short term.
The Raiders are among the other 31 teams in the league at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Combine is a massive opportunity for teams to get to know players off the field and see their athleticism up close.
Players can help or hurt their draft stock at the Combine. If they do not test well, they could see themselves falling a round or two. If they test better than expected, they could get a phone call on draft day earlier than anticipated.
One of those players could be defensive end Cedric Johnson of Mississippi. A massive presence off the edge, Johnson heads to the NFL.
The Las Vegas Raiders could add a massive edge rusher in Ole Miss' Cedric Johnson in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson finished his Rebels career with 111 total tackles, 22 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and 19 sacks. He played at the Senior Bowl in his hometown of Mobile, Ala., and stood out.
Johnson possesses elite size for an NFL edge rusher at 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds. He is muscular, tall, and long, and was named to The Athletic writer Bruce Feldman’s "Freaks List," a compilation of the most spectacular athletes in college football.
When Johnson comes off the snap, he explodes into his offensive line opponent. He uses his long arms to extend and push the lineman back.
Johnson can convert speed-to-power well and could be at his best when his defensive coordinator just cuts him loose and allows him to use his strength to bull-rush offensive tackles.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson generated 34 pressures in 2023. He never had a season at Ole Miss with fewer than three sacks.
Johnson is an excellent athlete and should test well at the Combine. He is quick, strong, and agile in several facets of rushing the passer.
However, Johnson might struggle against the run because much of his pass-rush production came from a two-point stance. He might be limited to a 4-3 outside linebacker spot at the next level.
Johnson is projected to be a day three selection in the draft. If the Raiders are looking for an athletic freak they can mold into a dangerous pass rusher, Johnson could be a good fit in the later rounds.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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