The Philadelphia Eagles have excelled in the 2022 NFL Draft thus far. After two days, the team has acquired defensive lineman Jordan Davis, wide receiver AJ Brown, center Cam Jurgen’s, and linebacker Nakobe Dean.
Just before the No. 154 overall pick, the Eagles traded with the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for No. 188 and No. 198. They than traded No. 188 and 237 to the Detroit Lions in exchange for No. 181. Philadelphia has now added edge Kyron Johnson to their arsenal with the selection in the sixth round.
With the 181st pick in the 2022 #NFLDraft, the Philadelphia Eagles select LB Kyron Johnson.@LifeBrand_AI | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/ICCDjjqce8
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 30, 2022
KYRON JOHNSON ADDS LINEBACKER/EDGE EXPERIENCE
Out of Kansas, Kyron Johnson started in three seasons, playing both linebacker and edge over five years. Last season, he played 12 games for 63 total tackles, two fumble recoveries, and four forced fumbles. He also led the team with 8.5 tackles for a loss and 6.5 sacks. He was Second-Team All-Big 12 and played in Kansas’ Senior Bowl.
Johnson is known for his speed, consistency, and relentlessness. He ran a 4.40 in the 40-yard dash at his Pro Day.
Though he lacks strength, Johnson makes up for it during the run game, which makes him a solid match for the Eagles. His role in Philadelphia is to be determined, but we would initially expect to see him on special teams.
NFL’s Lance Zierlein wrote the following about Johnson. “Fifth-year senior who played two different position and saw just nine total team wins during his journey at Kansas. Johnson’s tape as an edge defender in 2021 is better than anything he produced as an inside linebacker, but he likely lacks the traits and tools to stay on the edge in the NFL. He has shown noticeable improvement and consistency handling his business at the point of attack and he has excellent speed to range across the field. However, he lacks the instincts needed to process and play quickly between the tackles. His best shot to make a team is as a backup4-3 Sam with above-average special teams potential.”
Johnson will join prior draft pick, Nakobe Dean, as well as T.J. Edwards, Haason Reddick, Joe Ostman, Patrick Johnson, Shaun Bradley, and Christian Elliss.
The Eagles have one final pick left at No. 198 — if they don’t make another trade.
