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Arizona Wildcats defensive lineman PJ Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round of the NFL Draft on Saturday.
Johnson, the 229th overall pick, spent one season with the Wildcats after transferring in from City College of San Francisco.
The Sacramento, California native played in 10 games (nine starts) and logged 31 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson had the fourth-highest pass rushing grade among interior defenders in the Pac-12 (though he did play both inside and outside).
With the 229th pick, the #Lions select Arizona DI P.J. Johnson
— PFF DET Lions (@PFF_Lions) April 27, 2019
Johnson earned an 84.7 overall grade (15th in class), 90.1 run defense (10th), 68.9 tackling, and 74.9 pass-rush (21st)#OnePride
Johnson could have returned to the UA for another season, but opted to forgo his final year of eligibility, citing a desire to provide for his children.
Miami Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders, who was selected with the No. 229 pick in 2018, signed a four-year deal worth roughly $2.5 million after being drafted, so you can expect Johnson to receive a similar contract.
Johnson had a difficult start to his career. His appendix burst in 2015, and in 2016 a tumor was found in his right leg.
Johnson, the only Wildcat selected so far, is the first Arizona defensive lineman to be drafted since Brooks Reed, Ricky Elmore and D’Aundre Reed were selected in 2011.