Desjuan Renarl Johnson (born September 3, 1999) is an American professional football defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. He played college football for the Toledo Rockets where he earned three All-Mid-American Conference selections. The Los Angeles Rams selected Johnson in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 259th overall pick. He became the final selection of that draft, earning him the title of Mr. Irrelevant. Despite being drafted in the last round, Johnson quickly established himself as a contributor on the Rams’ defensive line. He has appeared in games across three professional seasons, accumulating 33 career tackles, 5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble.
Desjuan Johnson Bio
Desjuan Renarl Johnson hails from Detroit, Michigan, where he developed his passion for football at a young age. His journey from a local high school prospect to an NFL player reflects dedication and steady improvement throughout his development. Johnson carries the nickname Dezz-WAHN, given for pronunciation ease. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 278 pounds, he possesses the physical tools teams seek in an NFL defensive end. His selection as Mr. Irrelevant in 2023 added an unusual distinction to his resume, though he has worked to prove that draft position does not determine a player’s ultimate ceiling.
Early Life and Background
Johnson grew up in Detroit, Michigan, attending East English Village Prep for his high school career. At East English Village Prep, he developed into a standout defensive end, showcasing the size and athleticism that would eventually attract college recruiters. His performance on the high school level in the competitive Michigan football scene prepared him for the next stage of his career. The Detroit area has produced numerous football players over the years, and Johnson looked to add his name to that list through hard work and dedication to his craft.
Path to American Football
Johnson chose to continue his football career close to home, committing to the University of Toledo in 2018. The Toledo Rockets compete in the Mid-American Conference, providing Johnson with opportunities to face quality competition while developing his skills. He redshirted during his true freshman season in 2018, using that year to adjust to the college game and build his frame. The following year, he began seeing meaningful playing time as a sophomore in 2019, laying the groundwork for his breakout performances to come.
Desjuan Johnson Career
College Career (2018–2022)
Johnson became a consistent starter for the Toledo Rockets beginning in 2020. He earned Second-team All-MAC defensive end honors in both 2020 and 2021, establishing himself as one of the top defensive players in the conference. Those two seasons demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses and consistently pressure quarterbacks at the collegiate level. His progression continued, and he reached his peak performance during his senior season in 2022. That year, Johnson elevated his game to earn First-team All-MAC defensive end recognition. More importantly, he helped lead the Toledo Rockets to the MAC championship, the pinnacle team achievement of his college career. Across his four seasons with the Rockets, Johnson accumulated 26.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to make plays in the opponent’s backfield.
Rookie Season (2023)
The Los Angeles Rams selected Johnson in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 259th overall pick. That selection made him the final pick of the entire draft, earning him the designation of Mr. Irrelevant. Despite the ironic title, Johnson entered training camp with determination to prove he belonged in the NFL. He earned a spot on the Rams’ 53-man roster and appeared in 11 games during his rookie campaign. Johnson finished his first professional season with 2 sacks, 9 total tackles, and 1 forced fumble, providing immediate evidence of his ability to contribute at the highest level.
Los Angeles Rams Era (2023–Present)
Johnson returned to the Rams for the 2024 season looking to build upon his rookie success. He continued developing under the guidance of the Rams’ coaching staff, refining his technique and adjusting to the speed of professional football. His performance earned him increased responsibilities as the season progressed. Entering the 2025 season, Johnson has appeared in games across three professional campaigns. His career totals stand at 33 tackles and 5 sacks, reflecting steady growth from his rookie year. As a member of the Rams’ defensive line rotation, he remains an active contributor to the team’s defensive efforts.
Playing Style and Strengths
Johnson brings an ideal physical profile for the defensive end position, measuring 6 feet 3 inches and weighing 278 pounds. His three All-MAC selections at Toledo demonstrate a proven track record of consistent performance against quality competition. He developed excellent hand technique and pass-rushing moves during his four collegiate seasons, skills that translate directly to the professional game. His ability to collapse the pocket and record sacks makes him a valuable asset in passing situations. Additionally, Johnson shows effectiveness against the run, using his size and leverage to set edges and fill running lanes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s most significant milestone came on draft day 2023 when the Rams selected him with the final pick, making him Mr. Irrelevant. He transformed that distinction into motivation, working to prove skeptics wrong from his first training camp practice. His college career peaked in 2022 when he captured the MAC championship alongside his First-team All-MAC honor. In the pros, his first professional sack represented a milestone moment confirming his ability to compete at the NFL level.
Desjuan Johnson Career Highlights
Johnson has built an impressive record across his brief professional career. He has appeared in games each season since joining the Rams, accumulating 33 total tackles, 5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. His college career added three All-MAC selections and a conference championship to his resume. The combination of his collegiate achievements and early professional success positions him well for continued growth.
College Highlights
Johnson’s senior season in 2022 represented the high point of his collegiate career. He earned First-team All-MAC honors while helping Toledo capture the conference championship. He previously earned Second-team All-MAC recognition in both 2020 and 2021, making him one of only a handful of players to earn All-MAC honors in each of their final three seasons. Across his four-year college career, he recorded 26.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks, demonstrating consistent playmaking ability.
Family
Johnson maintains strong connections to his Detroit roots while pursuing his professional career in Los Angeles. Details regarding his parents, siblings, or extended family remain private as he focuses on his football career. He continues to represent his hometown with pride, drawing motivation from the community that helped shape his journey to the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Johnson enters the 2025 season as an established member of the Rams’ defensive line rotation. With three professional seasons behind him, he has developed into a reliable contributor capable of making plays in both passing and running situations. His 33 career tackles and 5 sacks reflect steady production that has earned him continued opportunities on the field. The Rams coaching staff values his consistency and experience, incorporating him into their defensive schemes as the season unfolds. Johnson continues working to expand his role within the defense, focusing on technique refinement and film study to improve his performance week by week.