Was linebacker Kyron Johnson worth selecting in the sixth round by the Eagles? According to our beat reporters, yes. Here's why.
After drafting prospects in each of the first three rounds, the Eagles took the next two rounds off before returning in the sixth with linebacker Kyron Johnson. The 6-foot, 235-pounder will likely end up working at strong-side linebacker in Jonathan Gannon’s scheme, but his selection was clearly made with special-teams play in mind.
He notched only six sacks in his first four seasons with the Jayhawks, but when moved to the edge for his redshirt senior season, he finished with 6-½ sacks. Johnson’s a speed-to-power rusher, like many undersized edges, but he’s also capable of countering his primary moves with other techniques. He could also learn a thing or two playing behind the similarly sized Haason Reddick in Philadelphia.
But if he can carve out a staying role on special teams and fill in on defense without getting overrun, the pick would have been more than worth the cost.Following early discussions between Johnson and special-teams coordinator Michael Clay, Johnson revealed Friday afternoon that he expects to play every single special-teams snap. His speed is enticing; Johnson recorded multiple sub-4.4-second 40-yard dashes.
Although he can over-anticipate at times, he tackles with force. Johnson led Kansas with 8½ tackles for losses with 6½ sacks and he tied for ninth in the FBS with four forced fumbles. That intensity will be welcomed by both Clay and defensive coordinator Gannon.When dealing with Day 3 picks, it’s important to set expectations. If Johnson makes even a slight contribution in the next few years, this pick was a good one.
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