NASHVILLE, Tn — The Detroit Lions have selected University of Arizona defensive tackle PJ Johnson in the seventh round of the NFL draft with the 229th overall pick.
Johnson played one season with the Wildcats, making 31 tackles including 8.5 for a loss, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. He had three sacks, and also recorded a safety in the Territorial Cup Game of his junior season. Johnson's play earned him a Pac-12 All-Conference honorable mention selection. In one game during his 2018 season for the Wildcats, Johnson recorded a season high seven tackles at Utah.
This marks the first time since 1991 that the Lions drafted a player from the Wildcats (Zeno Alexander).
Johnson had unusual injuries early in his college career with an appendix burst in 2015 and a tumor in his right leg in 2016 at Sacramento State.
Johnson is the first Arizona defensive lineman to be selected in the draft since Brooks Reed, Ricky Elmore, and D'Aundre Reed were selected in 2011.
Johnson will be fighting for a roster spot. Lions defensive tackle Damon Harrison, could be looking for a new contract in the near future. With the addition of Johnson there will be more flexibility for Detroit's roster.
Johnson stands at 6'4 and weighs 335 pounds, and will be looked at to stop the run in Detroit.
