'Irrelevant'? Rams' Desjuan 'Taking Notes' Next to Aaron Donald
Desjuan Johnson found himself in an exceptional position after being selected as the final pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Not only did he join a team in desperate need of assistance on the defensive line, but he now has the opportunity to play alongside three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Aaron Donald.
The Toledo product - who wears the annual NFL crown of "Mr. Irrelevant'' due to his final-pick status - expressed how he used to try to emulate Donald in college, but now he has the opportunity to absorb everything the Super Bowl champion is doing in practice.
"Throughout college, I tried to model my game like him so everything he did, I was trying to do ... But now I get to do everything right next to him. It's not like I'm saying, 'Oh, what is Aaron Donald doing?' No, I'm sitting here watching what Aaron Donald's doing. So, just taking notes, taking everything he does on the field and off the field," Johnson said.
Johnson will likely have limited playing time in 2023, and there is a possibility that he may not even make the team. However, his clearest opportunity for playing time this season would be as a backup to Donald at the defensive tackle position. They share a similar size, weighing around 285 pounds, and do not possess the exceptional length many teams desire on the defensive line.
With his on-field strength and tenacity, which echoes Donald's playing style, Johnson displays a remarkable presence for a seventh-round pick. Although he may not possess Donald's unmatched quickness, Johnson possibly harbors the potential to carve out a successful professional career. ... and to be something more than "irrelevant.''
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