Missouri State defensive lineman Eric Johnson is destined to be the first Bear to be selected during the NFL Draft in more than a decade.
Standout seasons during the 2021 spring and fall along with collegiate all-star games should see Johnson being the first player to be taken out of the program since offensive lineman David Arkin was selected in the fourth round with the 110th overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 2011.
Most mock drafts and big boards include Johnson as one of the top defensive linemen. Most assume he'll be taken in one of the first few rounds of the third day.