Austin Johnson

Johnson's arc at Penn State was impressive, doubling his production from 3.0 tackles for loss in 2013 to 6.0 the following season and 15.0 as a junior, when he also more than tripled his previous career output with 6.5 sacks and used it as a springboard to enter the NFL Draft a year early.

when he attacks with his hands, johnson can stack and shed blockers in the hole. locates the ball quickly and hustles laterally or downfield in pursuit. as a pass rusher, he shows more effort than explosiveness or technique, chopping his hands to fight through would-be blockers but rarely slipping by them freely.

WEAKNESSES

despite his gaudy sack production, johnson is more of a run-stuffer than a pass-rusher. he isn't particularly quick off the ball and like a lot of heavier players, johnson struggles with pad level. too often he doesn't extend his arms, playing chest to chest with blockers and only releasing after the ballcarrier is at or past the line of scrimmage.

COMPARES TO

strengths

Possesses the thick-cut frame to fit even and odd fronts, alike, sporting broad shoulders, a big butt and gut and tree trunks for limbs. He's stout at the point of attack, showing the coordination and leg drive to anchor as well as good core strength to stand his ground even when caught off-balance.

eddie goldman, chicago bears - a well-built player who carries his weight well, johnson has the quickness to provide an interior push, but his specialty is holding up vs. multiple blockers to clog the middle and mirror ballcarriers.

IN OUR VIEW

although not a rangy player, johnson has a motor that is always revving and he moves well in small areas with strong hands to stack and create movement. a player whose production matches the tape, johnson has an impressive blend of power, quickness and awareness to fit three- and four-man fronts.

--Rob Rang (2/10/16)

A three-year letterman for head coach Dennis Scuderi at St. Augustine Prep

Named all-state, All-Cape-Atlantic League and All-South Jersey during his senior season

Helped the Hermits to the Cape-Atlantic League title during his final prep season

Was selected a team captain his junior and senior seasons

Earned second-team All-Cape-Atlantic League and second-team All-South Jersey as a junior

Invited to participate in the Chesapeake Bowl, All-Cape-Atlantic League All-Star Game and the New Jersey North-South Game

Ranked among the nation's top 25 prep defensive tackles by Scout.com

Also an all-state performer in basketball

Named Cape-Atlantic Basketball Player of the Year as a senior

Guided the Hermits to the NJSIAA Non-Public Group A State Championship during his junior season.

Full name is Austin Hunter Johnson

Son of Austin and Tammy Johnson

Has two older sisters, Brandi and Erika, and one younger sister, Kennedy

Sister, Kennedy, is a sophomore forward on the Michigan State women's basketball team

Enjoys playing video games and lifting weights

Majoring in journalism

Born May 8, 1994 in Galloway, N.J.