The Tennessee Titans secured a much-needed edge rusher in free agency in Arden Key, but the team should still consider adding one in the 2023 NFL draft.
One late-round option for the Titans in this year’s draft is Oregon edge rusher DJ Johnson, who, according to Justin Melo of Music City Miracles, is a player the Titans “have shown interest in.”
Melo also notes that Johnson and the Titans met at this year’s Senior Bowl, and James Crepea of The Oregonian reported earlier this month that Tennessee met with the EDGE informally at the combine.
For more on the 6-foot-4, 260-pound prospect, we go to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
Power merchant with jarring initial hand strikes that can create early advantages. Johnson is big, explosive and rugged but lacking the experience and technique to consistently capitalize on his physicality. He has broad, tight hips that make it challenging to keep the pad level where it needs to be as a rusher, tackler and while taking on run blocks. He has very few moves or counters, but his bull rush can put opponents on skates. There is significant technique work that needs to take place, but his NFL Scouting Combine testing should only help his draft stock.
Tennessee’s need for an edge rusher comes from the fact that its current depth chart features two unproven players, and another coming off a serious knee injury.
Johnson should be available late Day 3, which is when Tennessee should start focusing on defensive additions after hopefully loading up on offense over the first two days.
