Jaleel Johnson, defensive tackle, Iowa
Jaleel Johnson forged a great career as a defensive tackle at Iowa because of his speed and size. Despite being 6-foot-3, 313 pounds, he was known for his ability to shoot the gap and get into the backfield as a defensive tackle. As evidence, he notched 113 tackles (54 solo), 18.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in four seasons for the Hawkeyes. Ten of those tackles for loss and 7.5 of his sacks came in 2016.
Unfortunately for Johnson, he was somewhat of a disappointment in the NFL Scouting Combine.
He ran a 5.38 40-yard dash, which was the second-worst recorded time among defensive lineman. His 10-yard split was even worse.
If Jaleel Johnson's 10 yard split (2.03) holds, it would be the worst among interior defensive lineman since 1999.
— Ethan Young (@EthanYoungFB) March 5, 2017
His bench press, a major test of strength, was also very underwhelming. Johnson put up only 19 reps in the bench press, which was tied for the sixth-worst output among defensive linemen. For comparison’s sake, Auburn defensive end Carl Lawson put up 35 reps.
The good news for Johnson is that he still has Iowa’s pro day, and the Hawkeyes have a great reputation among NFL scouts. His results at the combine weren’t great, but he can still show off his size and foot speed. Thankfully for him, Iowa City is a great place to do just that.