Danno

Rufus Johnson Jr. made one position switch from defensive end to outside linebacker soon after the New Orleans Saints drafted him in the sixth round last year. He now is working on another one.

Johnson has worked some with third and fourth units at defensive tackle through most of the OTA and minicamp practices over the last month. The Saints had their final minicamp practice Thursday (June 12).

"They're trying me out there, and I think it's a good position for me," Johnson said. "I'm actually making a lot of progress."

Johnson (6-foot-5, 272 pounds) said he will play defensive end in some packages but will also take snaps along the interior of the line, where he must be quicker with his moves against offensive guards and tackles.

"I've always played on the edge," Johnson said. "This is my first time actually being don in the three-technique, down with the bigger guys."

Johnson said the move inside is "a little bit of an adjustment, just from the fact that you don't have that much space."

The Saints put Johnson on the practice squad after the preseason last year and had him there for the entire regular season. He moved to the active roster during the week of the playoff game at Seattle in place of the injured Parys Haralston.

"Last year was more I would say a learning year, working on my technique," Johnson said. "I look at as just helping me learn. Basically helped me because I make better judgements now. Last year I was playing wild, trying to use athletic ability."

Johnson excelled in college as s 4-3 defensive end at NCAA Division II Tarleton State, where he had 33 tackles for losses in his two seasons there. The Saints moved him to outside linebacker after they drafted him to try taking advantage of his pass-rushing experience, and he played on the fourth-string units during preseason games.

Johnson said coaches talked with him last season about moving to the new position. He made the move for the start of rookie minicamp last month. The Saints hold their final OTA practices next week.

Rufus Johnson Jr. makes another position switch for New Orleans Saints | NOLA.com

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