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https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2834959-rising-nfl-stars-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-2019#slide2
Rising NFL Stars to Keep an Eye on in 2019
Maurice Moton
S John Johnson III, Los Angeles Rams
John Johnson III brings versatility in spades. He can neutralize deep threats, stack the box in run support or play linebacker in sub-packages. Above all, the Boston College product performs at a high level in various roles.
In his second term, Johnson led the Rams in interceptions (four) and finished second in pass breakups (11) and solo tackles (82). Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips praised him late last season, per ESPN.com's Lindsey Thiry.
"His tackling is so outstanding. Open field, around the ball, around the line of scrimmage, those kinds of things," Phillips said. "He's learned more and more about what to do in different areas that he plays."
The Rams secondary has notable names such as Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and Eric Weddle, but Johnson had the best 2018 campaign in terms of coverage statistics.
With Talib and Weddle in the latter stages of their careers and Peters' struggles last year, Phillips may rely on Johnson to close the gaps on the back end.
Johnson could see more snaps at free safety following Lamarcus Joyner's departure to the Oakland Raiders. Lastly, it wouldn't come as a surprise to see the versatile defender frequently used to cover the middle of the field with an unproven group behind Cory Littleton at inside linebacker.
Rising NFL Stars to Keep an Eye on in 2019
Maurice Moton
S John Johnson III, Los Angeles Rams
John Johnson III brings versatility in spades. He can neutralize deep threats, stack the box in run support or play linebacker in sub-packages. Above all, the Boston College product performs at a high level in various roles.
In his second term, Johnson led the Rams in interceptions (four) and finished second in pass breakups (11) and solo tackles (82). Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips praised him late last season, per ESPN.com's Lindsey Thiry.
"His tackling is so outstanding. Open field, around the ball, around the line of scrimmage, those kinds of things," Phillips said. "He's learned more and more about what to do in different areas that he plays."
The Rams secondary has notable names such as Marcus Peters, Aqib Talib and Eric Weddle, but Johnson had the best 2018 campaign in terms of coverage statistics.
With Talib and Weddle in the latter stages of their careers and Peters' struggles last year, Phillips may rely on Johnson to close the gaps on the back end.
Johnson could see more snaps at free safety following Lamarcus Joyner's departure to the Oakland Raiders. Lastly, it wouldn't come as a surprise to see the versatile defender frequently used to cover the middle of the field with an unproven group behind Cory Littleton at inside linebacker.
