2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Johnson, EDGE, Southern Mississippi

• Name: Ryan Johnson
• Position: EDGE
• College:  University of Southern Mississippi 
• Height: 6’2 
• Weight: 255lb
• Twitter: @RyanJohnsonJr_
• Instagram: @4Glizz

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft? 

I feel like I stand out from a lot of players in my position. Everyone has tools but not many people have every tool. I think I am one of those players that can be referred to as an “Army Swiss Knife”. I am a very athletic player who has elite twitch and reaction. I will be a problem for offenses this season. I can move really well, I am athletic, and I also can play multiple positions throughout the whole defensive front. Overall great football player. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing an NFL team should know is that I am a very charismatic person. I am a born leader and I am a bold speaker. Even though I am a leader I will do whatever to make the mission work. So in that case I am also a very trustworthy player who will do everything in his will to influence the culture as much as possible 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would donate back home to the neighborhood that I grew up in. West side, Starkville, Mississippi. 

Who was your role model? 

I never really had a role model. I always wanted to be one instead. I’ve always wanted to be my own person so I didn’t have a lot of people that I was looking up to. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

San Francisco 49ers

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

I have a couple of underrated teammates I could name like Jalil Clemons, Dreke Clark, Dylan Lawrence, and Keyshawn Buckley. we are all great players and will be future stars on Sundays. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is lying. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever would be Miss Brandi Herrington!!

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

The hardest moment of my life to overcome was getting dismissed from my first Juco (northwest mississippi community college) and having to find a new home. I thought my career was over. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Chipotle 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Fruit 

What is your degree in? 

I have a bachelor’s in communication. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Michael Jackson, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady. I want to know how it feels to be the greatest ever and how did you do it. 

What is your biggest weakness? 

My biggest weakness is overthinking. I have to slow down the game when I am on the field and I will make more than enough plays.