Quietly Climbing

PHILADELPHIA — Seated in the front row of the NovaCare Complex auditorium, Eagles rookie cornerback Brandon Johnson is attentive, fixating on the inner workings of an intricate secondary during defensive backs meetings.

Whenever Johnson has a question — if he has a question — he’ll lean on veterans Reed Blankenship and Parry Nickerson, whom he sits alongside. Nickerson, in particular, has been a prominent resource. The eighth-year pro, greatly respected among teammates based on observations, happens to occupy the same position as Johnson, providing the framework for a unique perspective.

“He’s a vet in the league,” Johnson said. “And he also has some familiarity with that nickel position.”

“Those are two great guys and two great teammates,” he added. “Anytime I have a question, they don’t hesitate to answer or help me out with anything.”

GETTY IMAGES: Eagles rookie free agent CB Brandon Johnson is showing upside as he pushes for a roster spot.

Johnson, by all accounts, has been a quick study since first arriving to Philadelphia in the spring as an undrafted rookie. And through the preparation and constancy that can only be measured by maximizing opportunities and meeting the challenge, Johnson is proving he belongs.

He’s also doing everything he can to stick around, like sharpening his knowledge and coverage chops with wide receivers Ainias Smith and Giles Jackson well after the double horns had sounded for the day following an unseasonably cool two-hour session recently.

For someone in Johnson’s position, nothing is guaranteed, including an allotment of practice reps. And from the vantage point of the roster configuration, tomorrow is also hardly promised.

Coming to terms with the latter is a harsh reality of life on the roster fringes, especially in a log-jammed position room, though it’s one Johnson has embraced. He could have signed elsewhere, perhaps with a team that provided a clearer path toward a roster spot. Johnson, though, was bullish on the prospects of joining the Eagles.

“It’s a great organization,” he said. “You know, defending Super Bowl champs, so they’re doing something right here. And I’ve heard a lot of great things about the organization. There’s obviously a lot of talent here, and this is a place I can develop as a player.”

A 2024 All-Big Ten honorable mention, Johnson appeared in all 14 games (eight starts) last season for the Oregon Ducks, further establishing himself as a smart, gritty and versatile backend piece. Johnson, by the way, arrived at Oregon by way of Duke – where he was a two-time honorable mention All-ACC selection. He believes the transition prepared him for the new system and circumstances he currently finds himself miring in with the Eagles.

Since late July, Johnson’s daily routine has begun like many of his teammates, early, and with an emphasis on body restoration. When the Eagles would break into team periods, Johnson often had to wait before entering the lineup. He was never going to be first up at nickelback; that role belongs to second-year standout Cooper DeJean. Johnson also, for much of camp, was behind rookie fifth-round pick Mac McWilliams and Nickerson. But with the Eagles cross-training McWilliams outside of late and with Johnson quietly emerging, the 23-year-old has recently been bumped to the second unit, his urgency apparent with each snap.

“I’m definitely thankful for the opportunity and I’m just trying to maximize it as much as I can,” he said.

Johnson responded to the vote of confidence by being assignment sound and hard-nosed, sticking to the hip pocket of his receivers in coverage. In the first joint practice with the Browns, Johnson flashed, producing a pass breakup in one-on-ones and later smothering Browns wide receiver Kaden Davis on a corner route to negate a completion during a 7-on-7 period.

He’s also demonstrated an ability to apply the tutelage of positional whisperers, cornerbacks coach Roy Anderson and defensive backs coach Christian Parker, the latter of whom Johnson lauded for his innate ability to connect with the room off the field.

“It’s not always football,” Johnson said. “So, that makes you want to play for a coach. That makes you want to really take heed to what they’re saying when it does come to football.

“He’s a real energetic coach, and I think he can relate to us well. And he’s very smart, as well. So, I think whenever you build a connection with a coach off the field, it definitely makes you want to play for them on the field.”

Through two preseason games, Johnson has accounted for 43 defensive snaps, including 16 on Saturday afternoon. Against the Browns he earned first-team nickel reps, totaling four combined tackles.

And while he hasn’t yet factored much in the way of special teams, only accumulating seven snaps, Johnson has some experience there, too, playing over 100 third phase snaps last season for the Ducks.

For the Newton, N.C., native and many of his teammates in a similar position, Monday begins an important week as Johnson makes his culminating roster push.

His final job audition takes place Friday evening at MetLife Stadium, where Johnson figures to see a dramatic spike in snap share. The significance of the moment hasn’t fazed the 5-foot-10, 185-pound defensive back.

Unflinching, Johnson didn’t hesitate when asked what he’s hoping to accomplish in the week ahead.

“Just that I am who I say I am,” he responded. “That I can do what everyone expects me to do.”

Whatever the end result, the reality is that Johnson entered camp a virtual unknown to many, buried on the depths of a deep roster, and has showcased intriguing developmental upside.

It’s a branding he’s earned through perseverance, one that personifies his mindset of maximizing every opportunity. And he still has some time to rewrite his narrative.

“Honestly, I just took it as an opportunity,” he said. “I’m blessed and I’m fortunate to be here. And however that came, I’m fortunate and I’m thankful. So, just being able to maximize the opportunity as best as I can. I think it’s definitely a challenge to do more with less, and I think God doesn’t give you anything that you can’t handle. So, I just want to maximize every opportunity.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com