5 LA Rams 2nd-year sleepers will show up big in 2024, inc. OLB Nick Hampton

3- DE Desjuan Johnson

Although he was the last player selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, former Toledo defensive end Desjuan Johnson has plenty of opportunity to find meaningful playing time in the Rams defensive front this season. After all, the team is short one starting defensive end in the expiration of Jonah Williams' contract, and Johnson is the most experienced defensive end remaining on the roster.

But perhaps experienced and the fact that he has seen action in just 102 defensive snaps should be made apparent. Johnson came into the picture late in 2023.

That is not to say that he was not ready for some work. Per Pro Football Focus, Johnson put up a preseason grade of 78.6, which is an incredible grade for a rookie seeing his first NFL action. In the regular season, and just 102 defensive snaps, Desjuan Johnson managed to record nine tackles, 2.0 quarterback sacks, and one forced fumble.

That's pretty solid work in so little playing time.

While I cannot foresee Johnson getting 1000+ defensive snaps in 2024, I certainly expect that he will see 400+ defensive snaps this season. And with four times the number of defensive snaps, he could easily put up 5.0+ quarterback sacks, 40+ tackles, and 10+ quarterback pressures this season.

So why is that important?

Putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks is an essential component in winning in the NFL. The thing is, the team can no longer just sit back and wait for All-Pro DT Aaron Donald to dial up the defensive devastation. This team must get a little bit extra from everyone, and Mr. Irrelevant 2023 will certainly do his share.

I look for Johnson to play a huge role in 2024. But there others who will make significant contributions this season. And they are . . .