Sunday, July 21, 2013

Eagles sign first-round pick Johnson

By John McMullen
jmcmullen@phanaticmag.com

PHILADELPHIA - Once the Miami Dolphins locked up Dion Jordan, it was only a matter of time before the Eagles signed their first-round pick Lane Johnson.

Hours after Jordan, the No. 3 overall selection,  settled in South Beach, Philadelphia inked Johnson, the fourth pick, to a four-year contract.

“We’re very excited to have all of our draft picks ready to go for the start of training camp,” said Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. “I give Lane and his agent, Ken Sarnoff, a lot of credit for their work in getting this deal complete. Both had stated to us how important it was to get this deal signed before the rookies report on Monday and they kept their word. We’re all looking forward to watch Lane get his NFL career started.”

The 23-year-old Johnson began his college career at quarterback, tight end and the defensive line before transitioning to the offensive line at Oklahoma as a junior in 2011. After transferring from Kilgore College in 2009, Johnson went on to appear in 32 career games with the Sooners, starting 25 total contests (13 at left tackle, 12 at right tackle). He garnered second-team All-Big 12 honors as a senior after anchoring a Sooner offense that ranked 12th in the nation with 497.9 yards per game.

A native of Groveton, TX, Johnson earned all-district, all-region and all-state honors as a quarterback at Groveton High School. He also lettered in track and field, placing fourth in the shot put at the state’s track championship.

Johnson will start his Eagles career at right tackle.

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