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2021 NFL Draft

Steelers Draft Texas A&M ILB Buddy Johnson with No. 140 Pick in 4th Round of 2021 NFL Draft

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The Steelers drafted Texas A&M linebacker Buddy Johnson in the fourth round with the No. 140 overall on Friday, their second of two fourth-round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft.

A tackling machine who ran a 4.59 second 40 yard dash, Johnson could compete with Robert Spillane and Vince Williams to play alongside Devin Bush in the middle of the Steelers defense.

Johnson stands 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds and racked up 210 tackles with the Aggies, 86 of them in the 2020 season. He also recorded 24.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in his college career. He’s an explosive, athletic standout with a 38 inch vertical leap and 4.07 second shuttle time who can fight off blockers and get to the ball carrier.

Johnson is more of a run-stopping backer, attacking downhill, but could be more limited in passing scenarios. Even so, his size and athleticism could give the Steelers some upside in coverage as he continues to develop.

Johnson will join Aggies teammate and offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. in Pittsburgh, who came off the board 12 picks before he did.