Cedric Johnson, EDGE, Ole Miss
Size:
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 260 pounds
Arm Length: 33 1/2"
Hand Size: 9 7/8"
Accomplishments:
Chucky Mullins Courage Award (2023) • Bednarik Award Watch List (2023)
“Cedric Johnson is an athletic EDGE with an NFL-ready frame and explosiveness to provide an intriguing floor for teams as a rotational pass rusher.”
Strengths:
Twitch
Alignment-versatile (3/4i/5)
Powerful lower half
Initial upfield burst
Concerns:
Pass-rush repertoire
Strength at point of attack
Flexibility
Film Analysis:
Highly athletic, Cedric Johnson’s ceiling is higher than many will give him credit for. He’s twitched up at 262 pounds to align inside-out.
As a pass rusher, Johnson has room to improve technically. Often shows the ability to win as a pure athlete to the outside shoulder, but will have to fine-tune his game to create consistent movement at the next level. Strong lower half that consistently churns even when momentum looks halted. Explosiveness is evident but needs more control. Can be a bull in a china shop at times.
Johnson’s alignment versatility is fantastic. Has experience rushing from a two, three, and four-point stance. Often utilizes a rip move to get the outside, but has showcased a powerful inside two-hand swipe to work back to the inside shoulder.
Against the run, Johnson tends to use aggressiveness instead of patience to locate and pursue. Can often find himself away from the play due to initial upfield burst. Will at times lose control of the play due to dipping head to initiate contact. Anchor has room for improvement when asked to set the edge as a 5-tech. More experienced tackles are quick to establish leverage and displace Johnson away from the alley.
Overall, Johnson is an athletic edge rusher with an NFL-ready frame and explosiveness to provide an intriguing floor for teams.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Exposures: Kentucky (2022), Alabama (2022)
