Pittsburgh Steelers have an eye on Liberty’s Durrell Johnson

While it is extremely early in the 2022 NFL Draft process, NFL teams are already starting to look at prospects for the upcoming draft. One player that the Pittsburgh Steelers have already scouted and would be a good fit in their 3-4 defense is Liberty defensive end, Durrell Johnson.

While Durrell Johnson has only been at Liberty for one season the former JUCO transfer has already established himself as one of the best players on the Flames defense. Last season, he led the team in tackles for loss with 11.5 and also in sacks with 8.5. His strong performance has led to him being recognized as one of the better defenders in college football having been named to the Chuck Bednarik Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch lists. He has also attracted his share of NFL interest and was recently named to the Senior Bowl watch list.

Even though Johnson plays defensive end at Liberty his best fit in the NFL will likely be at outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He will need to make this switch due to his lack of size coming in at only 235 pounds. His lack of size allows him to be bullied against the run at times which is an issue that will only get worse in the NFL. He also does not have the power to win with power as a pass rusher from the defensive position.

Johnson does have the athletic ability to make this switch in a 3-4 defense as well. He shows good explosion off the ball and is a proven threat to get to the quarterback. He would also be ideal in this defense because he might struggle as a 4-3 outside linebacker in coverage. This is a concern due to him not having fluid hips need for this role in the NFL.

In terms of where he would fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he would most likely be a player the team adds for depth and to help on special teams.

Johnson would be a developmental player for the team as the Steelers are already strong at this position and because he carries a seventh-round grade going into the season.