Eric

Johnson II

Both Osborn and Thornton are healthy scratches and are rumored to be trade candidates ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. That should mean more snaps/potential targets for Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, but the New England passing game is one to avoid right now.

Baker was an early standout in training camp, but tailed off in August as drops became an issue. He made headlines for the wrong reasons last week after going live on Instagram to complain about being pulled over by police in Boston. Head coach Jerod Mayo said Baker has already been punished and that it wouldn’t impact his game status. Nevertheless, Baker is a healthy inactive while Kayshon Boutte is active. Baker is buried on the Patriots’ wide receiver depth chart at the moment.

These players can be pulled off PUP at any time during camp. Leonard had back surgery and it was never expected that he’d be ready for the start of camp. Lewis missed the back half of the season with a knee injury. Strachan hadn’t been cleared to practice yet. McLeod ended the season on IR after an ACL tear. The team also placed DT Eric Johnson on the non-football injury list.

Johnson (6’4/299) became a full-time starter for Missouri State in 2020, putting together a strong resumé over his final two seasons. He was named second-team All MVFC in 2021 after totaling 43 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks for the Bears. Snubbed by the Combine, Johnson received invites to both the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the Senior Bowl - impressing scouts at both events. A legitimate riser throughout the draft process, Johnson’s ability to penetrate gaps quickly and fight off blockers has generated hype. His Pro Day workouts resulted in an elite 9.15 relative athletic score. However, his 11 reps on the bench press are concerning for a player of his size and position. Johnson earned top-30 visits from teams as the draft drew closer, further enforcing the narrative of rising interest in the small school prospect. Johnson could be a bit of a project at the next level, but his intangibles suggest he’s an intriguing rookie with good upside.

Johnson (6'5"/298) is not a name many will be familiar with considering he played with the FCS Missouri State Bears, but multiple NFL teams have real interest. He has top-30 visits (NFL teams only get 30 official visits with potential draftees) with the Saints, Lions, Chargers, Colts, Packers and Bengals coming, and you wouldn’t spend a visit on someone you have no intention of drafting. In fact, you probably don’t use one on too many sixth or seventh round picks either, which means Johnson has a real chance to go in the top half of the draft. Johnson impressed at the Senior Bowl and is the highest non-Combine prospect this year.