2021 NFL Draft: Keep an eye on Tulane EDGE Patrick Johnson

Tulane edge rusher Patrick Johnson is an exciting 2021 NFL Draft prospect to watch.

As the college football season continues to unfold, more and more 2021 NFL Draft prospects will start to get our attention. This week, Tulane edge rusher Patrick Johnson burst onto the scene with a strong performance against East Carolina. In that game, Johnson finished with six total tackles (three for loss), three sacks and two forced fumbles. He was an absolute force to be reckoned with all afternoon long and put himself on the 2021 NFL Draft radar.

Johnson became an impact player for the Green Wave as a sophomore in 2018. He finished that year with 49 total tackles (14 for loss), 10 sacks and four forced fumbles. He took a bit of a step back last season (8.5 tackles for loss and four sacks) but played a variety of roles for Tulane up front. Johnson was asked to attack from the edge plenty, but also dropped into coverage more than most edge rushers.

While Johnson still shows that coverage upside, he has been allowed to attack the quarterback more consistently this season. He has shined with those expanded pass-rush opportunities, piling up 8.5 tackles for loss and six sacks through six games this season.

Impact speed rusher with exciting versatility

Johnson’s ability to fire off of the ball and bend around the edge immediately stands out on tape. He is a quick and explosive rusher who wins with speed on a consistent basis around the edge. Johnson shows impressive natural flexibility and closes on the quarterback extremely quickly.

While he is certainly more of a speed rusher, Johnson does a nice job of converting that speed into power. He is not the most naturally strong player up front, but he can create some nice impact at the point of attack at times.

Johnson also shows impressive natural block-shed ability and always plays with a high motor. He is undoubtedly an exciting pass defender off of the edge, but Johnson can undoubtedly make an impact against the run as well.

Simply put, Johnson is a versatile defensive playmaker who can impact the game in a variety of ways. He has plenty of upside as a pure speed rusher on the edge, but his ability to drop and play short zone coverage and hold his own against the run makes him a valuable overall defender. Johnson is not a threat to go in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but he could undoubtedly put himself in the Day 2 conversation if he continues to play well.