Jamar Johnson first Hoosier picked in draft
DYLAN SINN | The Journal Gazette
Indiana is on the board in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Safety Jamar Johnson became the first Hoosier picked in the draft, going in the fifth round to the Denver Broncos with the 164th overall pick. He slid somewhat in the draft after originally being projected as a third- or fourth-round pick.
Johnson had a breakout season as a junior in 2020 after moving from "husky" (a linebacker/safety hybrid) to safety during spring practice. He opened the campaign with a massive performance in the 36-35 overtime win over Penn State with 10 tackles, including one for loss, and an interception. He topped even that sparkling performance a month later against Ohio State when he picked off two passes from No. 11 overall pick Justin Fields and also added a sack and a pass breakup as the Hoosiers nearly pulled a massive upset on the road.