5. Tom Johnson (Seattle Seahawks)
There are a lot of new faces along the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive front in terms of starters. But it’s an experienced veteran who the team added this offseason that could prove to be the most vital part of this group.
Very quietly, defensive tackle Tom Johnson has had a solid career that dates back to 2011 with the New Orleans Saints. He spent the past four seasons in the Twin Cities and was a vital part of Mike Zimmer’s defensive line that was not only very good but deep. During his stint with the Minnesota Vikings, the veteran defender played in 62 contests and racked up a respectable 16 sacks with the club.
This past season, the former undrafted free agent from Southern Mississippi played in all 16 games and made a career-best 15 starts. He finished with 32 tackles and a pair of sacks and was also part of a unit that allowed the second-fewest rushing yards in the league.
This is a Seattle defensive front that no longer employs end Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril. Johnson should also prove to be a valuable tutor for two-year defensive tackle Jarran Reed. A year ago, Seattle finished a mediocre 19th in the league in rushing defense and that’s a number that needs to get better this fall.