With their second seventh-round pick, the Lions decided to go back to the defensive side of the ball and select Arizona nose tackle PJ Johnson to help in the interior of the defensive line.
The Lions are set in the interior of the defensive line with Damon Harrison and A’Shawn Robinson manning the middle and occasionally Da’Shawn Hand moving in there as well. Johnson will learn from one of the best-run stuffers in Harrison with could bode well for his development.
Johnson is there for one reason and one reason only and that is to man the middle and clog those lanes with his 335-pound body, something that is essential for Coach Matt Patricia’s defense. He is able to control the line of scrimmage and shoot the gaps and stop any play that might come his way and disrupt the quarterback. He has also shown some versatility lining up across the defensive line even at the 5-technique at times while at Arizona.
The knock on Johnson is his lack of experience only playing Division 1 football for one year so the lack of tape can be concerning, along with some medical problems he had previously. His play can get sloppy at times bringing down his technique with his hands when he gets tired and that could get worrisome.
Johnson shows the traits of a great run defender and can compete for a reserve role on this defense behind Harrison. He brings some versatility that has shown to be very valuable for the Lions defense with the ability to line up across the defensive line. He is still developing as a player with his instincts and technique, but looks like the raw talent is there and once Patricia gets his hands on him, it could turn into something special.
