The Chicago Bears have been incredibly active in scouting defensive linemen over the past few months. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. With a shift to a 4-3 defense coming, the type of linemen they need has changed significantly. Defensive ends and defensive tackles won’t be doing the same things they were before under Vic Fangio, Chuck Pagano, and Sean Desai. This would explain their interest in Eric Johnson.
The Missouri State defensive tackle is anything but a household name. He only managed 5.5 sacks across his entire college career. His lack of standout production was a big reason he wasn’t invited to the scouting combine. However, he did have 6.5 tackles for a loss and three blocked kicks in 2021. So there were at least signs of potential. Especially when he boasts a 6’4, 290 lbs frame with arms just shy of 34 inches long.
Missouri State DL Eric Johnson didn't get a combine invite, but has a busy month of visits after a strong showing at Senior Bowl. Top-30 visits already and upcoming with Saints, Lions, Chargers, Colts, Packers, Bengals, plus Bears' local workout this week (from Plainfield).
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) April 5, 2022
That is why Johnson received an invitation to play in the NFLPA Bowl.
Coaches were surprised as he proceeded to dominate practices with his mix of power and array of creative pass rush moves. Johnson soon followed that with a sack in the game itself. His performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he then received a late invitation to play at the Senior Bowl down in Mobile, Alabama. The positive vibes continued as he delivered similar flashes against some of the best offensive line prospects in the country.
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Eric Johnson (@TheCreature93) from @MissouriStBears with the sack!
📺: @NFLPABowl on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/Y34T1kGRrg
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 29, 2022
Eric Johnson of Missouri State with the spin move vs a lunging blocker during #seniorbowl practice. Sells it inside, then spins back to his gap.
If they reach, you teach. It all starts with having a pass rush plan! #passrush #nfldraft pic.twitter.com/ILcBiPG0Iv
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) February 3, 2022
Missouri State DT Eric Johnson just bulldozes Cade Mays into the backfield. pic.twitter.com/vrlakeCxEK
— Matt Alkire (@mattalkire) February 3, 2022
It isn’t hard to see why the Bears are interested in Eric Johnson. In their defensive linemen he has the body dimensions, strength, and violence the team is looking for. Coming from humble beginnings also makes him hungry. Only somebody with strong resilience would jump through so many hoops to reach the NFL. That appeals to someone like GM Ryan Poles.
Expectations are that Johnson will likely be a late-round draft pick between the 5th and 7th rounds. Barring that, he will definitely be signed as an undrafted free agent. Considering he comes from Plainfield, Illinois, just one hour outside of Chicago? The Bears would probably have a good shot at landing him.
