After dressing for just one game in what was considered his rookie season with the Broncos in 2018, former Tennessee linebacker Alexander Johnson went into the 2019 offseason as a role player hoping to make the 53-man roster.
Johnson had no problem making the roster and he went on to win a starting job just a few weeks after the season.
“He’s sure in a better place [now] because we didn’t know much about him,” defensive coordinator Ed Donatell said of Johnson during a conference call with reporters on June 11. “He was a depth player kind of fighting his way onto the roster at this point last year. He made the most of his opportunity. He got in there and played.
“We found a role for him and a way to feature his style. He kind of brings that roughneck element to our defense. We really like where he is. I don’t know how to explain it, but he’s way ahead of where he was because he’s got a major role on this team right now.”
Johnson totaled 88 tackles, 1.5 sacks, three pass breakups and one interception last season. He will start again this season, likely next to Todd Davis, and he will be looking to build on his breakout year in 2019. It’s easy to imagine Johnson entering the Pro Bowl conversation this fall.
[vertical-gallery id=642240]