Cincinnati Bengals select Cedric Johnson in sixth round of 2024 NFL Draft

The Cincinnati have selected former Ole Miss Rebels EDGE rusher Cedric Johnson in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The 2023 recipient of the Chuck Mullins Courage Award, Johnson had compiled 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries this past season.

He was the only opt-out of the Rebels’ eventual Peach Bowl win, instead focusing on his pursuit of turning pro. Head coach Lane Kiffin called the move “surprising” at the time, but wished Johnson nothing but the best and thanked him for his services to the Ole Miss football team over the past four seasons.

Johnson played in 46 games in an Ole Miss uniform and finished his college career with 112 total tackles, 19 sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

He seemingly raised his draft stock at the NFL Combine, as Johnson finished with the fourth-fastest 40-yard-dash time (4.64) of all defensive linemen and fastest for an EDGE rusher. He had a 1.61 10-yard split and a 10.2-inch broad jump, both of which ranked in the top 10 at his position.

What NFL analysts are saying about Cedric Johnson

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein revealed how he sees Johnson’s skills translating to the NFL after the draft.

“Johnson passes the eyeball test with flying colors, and there will be teams who gravitate toward his NFL body type and play strength. With that said, his tape fails to consistently hit the mark. He’s strong at the point of attack and will set firm edges but needs to become more intent on ridding himself of blockers and making more plays.

“As a rusher, he has strong hands and some tools to work with, but he needs to develop go-to moves and counters and attack the pocket with greater urgency. Johnson has upside but might never be more than a solid edge backup if his rush doesn’t improve.”

Zierlein lists Johnson’s strengths as being naturally built like an NFL EDGE rusher, can play through contact, having strong lower-body power, having the potential for improved ball-rushing skills and maintaining a steady base through contact, among others.

As for his weaknesses, Zierlein cites Johnson as having one speed during pass-rush situations, struggling to maintain rush space, can struggle to maintain rush space, below-average read-and-react awareness, as well as having tendencies to remain engaged with his blocker rather than detaching and attempting to make a tackle near him.