The Indianapolis Colts selected Missouri State defensive tackle Eric Johnson with the No. 159 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.
Adding to the interior defensive line was going to be a need for the Colts going into the final day of the draft. The Colts showed interest in Johnson during the pre-draft process.
Here’s what Dane Brugler of The Athletic said about Johnson via his draft guide:
A five-year starter at Missouri State, Johnson played up and down the defensive line for defensive coordinator Ryan Beard. Despite playing in a schoolrecord 55 consecutive games (every game the last five years), he was somewhat of a late bloomer and created buzz around the league with his performances at the
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and Senior Bowl during the pre-draft process. Johnson creates a vertical surge with his first step quickness and length, although he needs to
use consistent sink for his bull rush to move blockers. His stiffness will show once engaged, but he shows promising handwork to gain leverage on blockers and peak
into the backfield. Overall, Johnson needs to develop more consistent pad level and run recognition for the next level, but he flashes phonebooth explosiveness,
functional hand use and play range. He should appeal to multiple schemes and is ideally suited as a five-technique or quick-penetrating three-technique.
Johnson is likely to compete for a roster spot with Chris Williams and Kameron Cline. In 2021, Johnson recorded 6.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
Barring a trade, the Colts have three picks remaining in the draft at Nos. 192, 216 and 239 overall.
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