Former Titans draft bust gets final opportunity with AFC South division rival

The Tennessee Titans made one of their best NFL draft decisions in franchise history when they selected Derrick Henry at No. 45 overall in 2016. What's often forgotten is that Henry was the Titans' third second-round pick that year. Before selecting the future Hall of Fame ball-carrier, then-GM Jon Robinson drafted two duds in the same round.

The Titans kicked off the second round by selecting Clemson EDGE Kevin Dodd at No. 33. Dodd, who had three sacks during the 2016 College Football Playoff National Championship, never met expectations in Tennessee. Then at No. 43, the Titans attempted to upgrade their interior defensive line by drafting Austin Johnson.

Johnson never reached the performance expectation of a second-round pick in Nashville. In four seasons, he started just 13 games, compiling 83 tackles and 2.5 sacks. The Titans let Johnson walk at the expiration of his rookie contract, and he's bounced around the league since. The former Penn State standout is now set to receive one more opportunity in the NFL, having signed with AFC South rival Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this week, per Ian Rapoport.

Former Titans bust Austin Johnson signs contract with Jaguars

In fairness to Johnson, he's extended his career in rather impressive fashion. When he departed Tennessee, there was doubt over whether or not he'd done enough to stick in the NFL. Since then, he's played for the Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, and Buffalo Bills. Johnson even recorded a career-high 72 tackles in 2021.

Johnson is now entering his 10th professional campaign in 2025. Perhaps that means he wasn't a draft bust after all, rather a player who peaked later in his career after leaving Nashville. Johnson will play for the Jaguars in 2025, who face the Titans twice annually. It may represent his final opportunity to extend his peculiar career.