The latest NFL Draft news and rumors surround the official top-30 visit process. As Missouri State defensive tackle Eric Johnson has risen up draft boards as of late, he’s a name to watch. As his ascension continues, here’s the latest as the 2022 NFL Draft approaches.
NFL Draft News and Rumors: Eric Johnson drawing interest from a half-dozen teams
Johnson caught fire in January after dominating practices at the NFLPA Game. He was then a late invite to the Senior Bowl and has been shooting up boards throughout the entire pre-draft process.
Johnson put on a show during his pro day on March 25. Measuring just under 6’4 1/2″ inches and tipping the scales at 299 pounds, he timed 4.88 seconds in the 40 with a blistering 10-yard split of 1.70 seconds. His three-cone timed 4.53 seconds, and Johnson looked terrific in position drills.
NFL News: Johnson setting his official top-30 visits
Snubbed by the Combine, Johnson has a half-dozen top-30 visits currently lined up. He’s already been on official visits with the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. Today, he spent time with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Green Bay Packers are still on the docket down the road.
Entering the season graded as a street free agent by scouts, look for Johnson to have his name called somewhere in the middle of Day 3 later this month.
Where Johnson lands on the PFN Big Board
On the latest Pro Football Network Top 300 Consensus Big Board for the 2022 NFL Draft, Johnson checked in at No. 235 overall. That was good enough to rank him in the top 20 among all the defensive tackle prospects.
PFN‘s prognosis aligns with all the interest he’s received during the offseason workout circuit. After a couple of heavy hitters in the DT group, it’s anybody’s guess how the rest of the group shakes out in April.