CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Bengals added more depth to their defensive line with the selection of Mississippi edge rusher Cedric Johnson.
Johnson is the third defensive lineman the Bengals have selected in this year’s NFL Draft, joining second-round defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and third-round defensive tackle McKinnley Jackson.
Cincinnati Bengals Draft Cedric Johnson With 214th Pick
Johnson recorded 19 sacks during his four seasons at Mississippi, in the last three of which he was a starter.
He has the physical traits to rotational pass rusher with the right coaching.
The Basics
Position: Edge
School: Mississippi
Age: 21 (Sept. 6, 2002)
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 260 pounds
Current Year: Senior
PFN Big Board Ranking: 179
The Fit
Johnson joins a crowded defensive line room, which means he’ll likely be fighting for a spot on the practice squad as a rookie.
But with Trey Hendrickson’s discontent with his contract and trade request, a holdout could crack an opening for Johnson, who had 19 sacks in his four seasons at Ole Miss.
"SOUNDS LOVELY" Yes, it does sound lovely, @Cedric02_ @IEL_LLC | 📺: 2024 Draft on NFLN pic.twitter.com/x8rgjhsBwp
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) April 27, 2024
Johnson will have OTAs and training camp to catch the attention of coaches with limited reps on defense and perhaps on special teams.
What They Said
Johnson on his wait to be drafted:
“It caught me off guard. I’m just sitting here waiting and waiting and waiting. Then I finally caught the call. They’re like ‘This is the Bengals, and we’re gonna take you in this sixth round.’ I kind of just froze for a second. I didn’t know what to think. I’m just super happy and blessed.”
PFN’s Grade
Ian Cummings: “Johnson possesses some exceptional physical tools — 4.63-second 40-yard dash time at 6’3’’, 260 pounds with a 38’’ vertical — which give him the type of ceiling to develop into a future starter along the defensive line if he can expand his pass-rushing arsenal and improve his hand usage while developing over the next few seasons.”
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