Texas Football: 2019 NFL Draft Combine former Longhorn projections
The former Dodge City C.C. JUCO transfer linebacker Gary Johnson was an absolute stud in his two years on the Forty Acres. Johnson was one of the most important parts of a vaunted Texas front seven that had some huge games in the Big 12 in the past two seasons. He led the team in total tackles and finished second in tackles for loss and sacks.
If there’s any prospects among the Texas Exes in this 2019 NFL Draft field that could be a fast riser up draft boards in the next two months, it should be Johnson. The 6-foot and 230 standout linebacker has insane range and sure-tackling ability that is very valuable at the next level, depending on the defense he lands with.
Although Johnson has a limited body of work with the Horns, what film he does have is pretty impressive. The physical tools aren’t the most ideal out of Johnson either, but seeing how he measures up against some good defensive line and linebacker competition at the NFL Combine will largely determine where he slots in the 2019 NFL Draft.
The latest mock up of the 2019 NFL Draft from Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller had Johnson landing in the fourth round to the New York Giants. That seems about right for the draft placement for Johnson. He likely won’t be a full-time starter in the NFL right away, but the flashes he showed with the Horns could win him a bigger role as time moves along.