20 best NFL players from Big 12 schools

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after being named the Super Bowl MVP after beating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after being named the Super Bowl MVP after beating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 17-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is sacked by Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 17-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

124. . LB. Texas. Derrick Johnson. 4. player

Derrick Johnson was a good player for the Kansas City Chiefs for the first five years of his career since they took the Texas Longhorns middle linebacker with the No. 15 pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. But in the last five seasons, he’s taken his game to another level and been one of the best linebackers in the NFL.

Johnson is perfectly suited to play the inside linebacker position in the 3-4 and he’s shown the ability to play the pass with 43 passes defended and six interceptions in his last five seasons. and he’s shown the ability to rush the passer with 13.5 sacks, including 8.5 over his last two seasons.

Further, he’s been the steadying force for one of the best defenses in the NFL over the last few years. The Chiefs have studs in the secondary with Eric Berry and Marcus Peters and on the edge with Justin Houston and Tamba Hali and nose tackle Dontari Poe is a beast. However, without Johnson to be the glue to hold it all together, the overall team success wouldn’t be where it is.

Next: 3. Trent Williams