NFL Draft: Panthers select Oregon edge rusher DJ Johnson after trading up in third round

The Panthers traded up 13 spots in the third round of the NFL Draft to select a pass-rushing complement for Brian Burns on defense.

Carolina traded the 93rd overall and 132nd overall picks — both acquired in the Christian McCaffrey trade with the San Francisco 49ers — to the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire the No. 80 pick in Friday’s third round. The Panthers then used that pick to select Oregon pass rusher DJ Johnson.

Johnson joins first overall pick, quarterback Bryce Young, and second-round pick, wideout Jonathan Mingo, as the Panthers’ first three rookie additions of the draft weekend.

Johnson — listed as 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds — is coming off a four-year career with the Ducks. The Sacramento, California, native produced 64 tackles (15.5 for loss), nine sacks and a forced fumble during his college career.

Johnson missed the Ducks’ Holiday Bowl win against North Carolina in December following an altercation with an Oregon State fan after a November loss to the Beavers. Oregon coach Dan Lanning told The Oregonian that while he didn’t condone Johnson’s actions, the player’s response was sparked by “pretty extreme” comments.

“We’re aware of that, and we talked to him about it, and our scouts do a great job of getting to know these guys and vetting them, and working through it,” Panthers GM Scott Fitterer said about the incident. “And we think he’s grown from it. There’s remorse, and I think he’s grown from it.”

Johnson said the incident was handled internally while he was still at Oregon.

“Honestly, at the end of the day, my mom raised me to be a certain way, and to always make sure that I protect my image however I can and lead with that kind of peace mentality. So at the end of the day, you learn just to always keep your composure, regardless of whatever situation that can ever come out and to always be able to move forward for me as well.”

At the NFL combine in Indianapolis, Johnson ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, an impressive time for an edge rusher at any size. He also had a 32-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot-2 broad jump.

Johnson is a rare athlete. A former tight end, he is still relatively new to pass-rushing on a consistent basis.

He will join Burns, Marquise Haynes, Yetur Gross-Matos, Amare Barno and Kobe Jones at the edge rusher position. Similar to Barno, a sixth-round pick last offseason, Johnson is a high-ceiling project player with huge upside.

Johnson’s arrival shouldn’t prevent the Panthers from looking for additional pass-rushing help in free agency following the draft.

Panthers picks

First round (1st overall): Bryce Young, QB, Alabama

Second round (39th overall): Jonathan Mingo, WR, Ole Miss

Third round (80th overall, via PIT): DJ Johnson, edge, Oregon

Remaining selections

Fourth round (114th overall)

Fifth round (145th overall)