Panthers rookie DJ Johnson making special-teams impact

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DJ Johnson, the Carolina Panthers' third-round draft pick in 2023, is beginning to make an impact on special teams after missing the first three games as an inactive.

Raw Carolina Panthers outside linebacker DJ Johnson lined up for a 1-on-1 drill with reserve offensive lineman David Sharpe. Launching on the simulated snap, Johnson engaged Sharpe and the two battled to what could be considered a draw.

Johnson failed to penetrate the pocket, but still pushed the five-year veteran back before a coach’s whistle paused the action.

Johnson jogged back into position to face practice squad tackle J.D. DiRenzo. A quick first step put Johnson on a wide route, where he made contact and drove the ex-Rutgers standout about five yards deep. But after gaining leverage, DiRenzo pushed the edge rusher back toward the line of scrimmage and ended the duel by pushing him to the ground.

Johnson, who is experiencing the ups and downs of an NFL rookie, rose and prepared for his next rep.

After not appearing in the Panthers’ first three games this season, Johnson is beginning to make an impact on special teams and show why the Panthers’ front office traded up – or “reached” as some pundits declared – to draft him.

“Last few weeks, he’s played well,” Tabor said. “He’s playing physical. And the thing I really like about DJ, I think we’re trying to play him in spots that kinda translates into his outside-linebacking world. And he’s accepted that and has really taken a lot of pride in that.

“So hopefully, he just kinda keeps getting better each week.”

‘I’ve been adjusting real well’

In the moments following the Panthers drafting Johnson with 80th overall draft pick, several NFL insiders questioned the move.

Talented? His athleticism certainly was apparent after the 6-foot-4, 260-pounder was timed at 4.49 seconds in a 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine last winter.

But he was not polished. After starting his college career at Miami and transferring to Oregon, Johnson alternated from defense to offense, where he lined up at tight end.

And Johnson came with a bit of bad baggage. After the Ducks were upset by Oregon State, Johnson was caught on video striking a fan celebrating on the field. The altercation cost him an opportunity to play in a bowl game as a senior.

Johnson addressed the situation after being drafted and continues to work past that moment of bad judgment.

“I definitely feel like my best football is ahead of me,” Johnson said during rookie camp in May. “I have always taken a lot of steps from the end of the season to now to prepare and get better.”    

Tabor lauded Johnson’s improvement during his weekly press conference Thursday at Bank of America Stadium. Beginning with a Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Oct. 1 and enhanced by last Sunday’s performance during a defeat to the Detroit Lions, Johnson started making an impact, compiling 17 defensive snaps and 19 plays on special teams.

“It’s feeling good,” Johnson said Thursday. “I’ve been adjusting real well to the gameplan coach Tabor has been coming up with. He’s a good coach to work with.”

An older prospect playing catch up

After essentially losing a year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson remains one of the league’s older rookies. On Oct. 21, he’ll turn 25. To compare, outside linebacker Brian Burns is 25 and competing in his fifth NFL campaign.

Johnson is working to make up time.

“I feel good,” he said. “The older guys I got in front of me are great to watch. Great to talk to. Great to observe in practice and games to see how they operate.

“See how they play through injuries, take notes. What are they looking for?”

Johnson’s questions and willingness to learn and adapt has led to the Sacramento, Calif., native to alter his notetaking style at least five times since the start of the regular season.

“Puttin’ in the work,” Johnson said. “Getting accustomed, more comfortable in the environment I’m in.”

After reviewing the Lions’ game film, Tabor believes Johnson continues to settle into his role.

During the game in Detroit, Tabor recalled talking about Johnson to other coaches in the press box: “I said it on the headset. I said, our little young player, there’s a look in his eye today that he’s getting better and he’s growing. So, I was very excited to see that and hopefully we can build on that this week.”

The 0-5 Panthers are the NFL’s lone winless squad. On Sunday, they travel to face the high-octane Miami Dolphins, who leads the league with 1,681 passing yards.  

Johnson devised a plan to combat the high-octane Dolphins during his time on special teams.  

Run down the field and hit everyone in sight.

“Yeah, for sure,” he said, grinning. “Love causing havoc.”

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