How Oregon's DJ Johnson, Noah Sewell performed at NFL Combine
Oregon’s Noah Sewell and DJ Johnson both entered the NFL Combine feeling that they had something to prove.
Before the 2022 season began, Sewell, the Ducks’ third-year sophomore inside linebacker, was expected by many to be an All-American and a sure-fire first-round draft pick. But he struggled through the worst statistical season of his college career and finished the fall with just 56 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Both marks were well below his output from the previous season.
As a result, Sewell’s NFL Draft stock plummeted and he is now widely viewed as a likely day-two or day-three pick. ESPN has Sewell listed as its No. 109 overall prospect and No. 7 insider linebacker.
Johnson, meanwhile, produced the best season of his college career in 2022. The Ducks’ senior edge rusher finished the year with a team-high 6.0 sacks and also racked up 8.5 tackles for loss.
But Johnson still has some question marks as a prospect after splitting time at edge rusher and tight end earlier in his career. ESPN currently lists him as its No. 147 overall prospect and No. 14 outside linebacker.
On Thursday, Johnson and Sewell both went through workouts at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Here’s a rundown of how they fared, and where their marks rank among their respective position groups.
DJ Johnson
| Event | Result | EDGE Ranking |
| 40-yard dash | 4.49 seconds | 4-of-28 |
| Bench press | 27 reps | 2-of-10 |
| Vertical jump | 32-inch | 20-of-31 |
| Broad jump | 9-foot-2-inch | 30-of-31 |
| 3-cone | — | — |
| 20-yard shuttle | — | — |
| 10-yard split | 1.59 seconds | 4-of-28 |
NFL.com overview of DJ Johnson
“Power merchant with jarring initial hand strikes that can create early advantages. Johnson is big, explosive and rugged but lacking the experience and technique to consistently capitalize on his physicality. He has broad, tight hips that make it challenging to keep the pad level where it needs to be as a rusher, tackler and while taking on run blocks. He has very few moves or counters, but his bull rush can put opponents on skates. There is significant technique work that needs to take place, but Johnson could earn a role as a 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle if he adds more mass.”
Noah Sewell
Oregon inside linebacker Noah Sewell measured at 6-foot-1 1/2, 246 pounds with 31 5/8″ arms and 10″ hands.
| Event | Result | ILB Ranking |
| 40-yard dash | 4.64 seconds | 13-of-16 |
| Bench press | 28 reps | 4-of-25 |
| Vertical jump | 33-inch | 9-of-15 |
| Broad jump | 9-foot-7-inch | 13-of-15 |
| 3-cone | — | — |
| 20-yard shuttle | — | — |
| 10-yard split | 1.57 seconds | 12-of-16 |
NFL.com overview of Noah Sewell
“Inside ‘backer possessing throwback demeanor as a physical but limited prospect. Sewell has good power to take on blocks and muddy the middle, but his lack of pursuit speed and change-of-direction quickness prevent him from consistently making the stop. He needs to become more anticipatory and read play development more effectively, as he’s missing the tools necessary to overcome missteps.”
