All 90 is a Pittsburgh Steelers Now series profiling each of the 90 members of the Steelers 2021 offseason roster.
51 • Buddy Johnson, rookie inside linebacker
6-foot-2, 240 pounds
Acquired: Drafted by the Steelers with the No. 140 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
College: Johnson had 86 tackles with Texas A&M in 2020 and racked up 2010 in his Aggies career. He also totaled 24.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacs in his time in College Station.
Johnson was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award and served as a team captain in 2020.
Camp outlook: Johnson did not participate in minicamp and with a ton of depth returning, he probably will not be a big factor at the inside linebacker position in his rookie season.
Devin Bush will start at one spot, with Vince Williams and Robert Spillane expected to compete for the other starting role. Marcus Allen and Ulysees Gilbert III will provide experienced depth, meaning Johnson will have to prove he can be an asset on special teams in order to secure a roster spot and a helmet on gamedays.
Future: Johnson’s rookie contract runs through the end of the 2024 season, after which, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent.
The rest of the 90:
