Don’t break out the “bust” label for Carolina Panthers outside linebacker DJ Johnson just yet, folks.
The second-year defender was a pretty hot topic of conversation tonight, particularly after the team’s Fan Fest practice at Memorial Stadium from Clemson, S.C. Head coach Dave Canales provided the first of two pertinent reviews on Johnson.
“He’s doing fantastic,” Canales said of the 25-year-old. “The effort and the style we’re looking for—DJ’s exemplifying that. So I’m really hopeful to see what he gets to do.”
Carolina went a bit out of their way to select Johnson last spring, trading up to the 2023 draft’s 80th overall pick for the raw prospect. Unfortunately, he didn’t do much to justify the move—as Johnson posted a grand total of zero sacks as a rookie.
But he could be turning a corner, literally. Just ask a fella named Jadeveon Clowney.
“He’s definitely one of the best edge setters that we have out there,” the three-time Pro Bowler later added of his new teammate. “Setting the edge, stopping the run, DJ definitely brings that physicality to the game and you need that out of the guys.
“This is a physical game. This is most definitely what you’re gonna need to stop the run in this league—physicality. So for him to be able to set the edge, that’s good for the team.”
That’s certainly good for a team which is quite desperate for a pass rush. Not only did the Panthers just finish last in the league in sacks, but they also lost both Brian Burns and Frankie Luvu this offseason.
Johnson’s potential emergence may be especially timely given the absence of free-agent signing D.J. Wonnum, who is expected to start opposite of Clowney. But with Wonnum yet to hit the practice field as he recovers from a torn quad, that spot may be up for the taking.
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