It’s been a very quiet day for the Philadelphia Eagles, especially after the firework displays on the opening two days of the Draft. After trading back in the fifth-round to pick up an extra 6th, Howie Roseman then moved up a few spots in the sixth round to draft LB Kyron Johnson.
Johnson played his collegiate ball at Kansas and is regarded as more of a pass-rushing linebacker. He played at the EDGE spot for the Jayhawks in 2021, leading the team in sacks and QB hits. He stands at 6’0, 231 lbs, so a little shorter than ideal, but will bring a pretty athletic skillset (8.43 RAS) to the Eagles.
The hybrid player ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash, which would have ranked second at the NFL combine among all EDGE rushers and linebackers. His vertical is 39.5, he has a 10″0′ broad jump, and a 6.98 three-cone time. Considering that he did play defensive end last year, it would be fair to assume he’s being regarded at the very least as a stand-up edge rusher who can come in on a line with Patrick Johnson, a late-round selection from last year who fits the same bill.
This pick is very reminiscent of the Casey Toohill selection a few years back. Johnson will likely be vying for a depth role and looking to hone his craft on special teams, a unit that always takes priority in Philadelphia. The key areas of need have been improved outside of the secondary and if Johnson is going to be an EDGE/LB hybrid, he’s going to be learning from Hasson Reddick…which is pretty good company to be in.
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