Iowa Football: Which Hawkeye Has Most To Gain In Senior Bowl?

2. Jaleel Johnson

Jaleel Johnson’s play started to receive national attention at the end of the season, but he had a very good senior season with 56 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. It led to him being the 11th ranked defensive tackle, according to CBS Sports, in the draft with a third to fourth round projection.

Johnson has a huge chance to keep catching NFL scouts’ eyes who may have slept on him at the start of the season. Plus, middle rounds are hard to project because of trades and prospects being so close talent and potential wise, so a big game against some of the other top seniors in the draft could prove beneficial in the long run.

He’s already been impressing during workouts. With speeds of 18.5 and 19 mph, Johnson recorded the fastest speed in both practices for all defensive tackles. At 6-3, 309 pounds, it’s a testament to his athleticism, conditioning and explains why he was so successful against the run this season.

Aside from the great offensive line the South team has, they also feature a very mobile quarterback in Joshua Dobbs and three really good running backs in North Carolina State’s Matt Dayes, BYU’s Jamaal Williams and college football’s all-time leading rusher Donnel Pumphrey.

Johnson has a chance to be a breakout star on Saturday and move into the top 10 among defensive tackles.