Thread: DE/Georgia Tech Michael Johnson

Johnson spent most of his freshman season on special teams, but managed to make six tackles and a sack on the year. As a sophomore, he only started one game but was effective off the edge. He had 34 tackles, six for loss, five sacks, and an interception on the year. Johnson again started one game as a junior, this time finishing with 21 tackles, six for loss, and four sacks for the season. He was a full time starter for the first time as a senior, and had a very productive season. Johnson finished the year with 43 tackles, 15 for loss, seven sacks, a pick, and even broke up seven passes.

Strengths

Johnson is a potential game changer off the edge. He is a phenomenal athlete, with excellent quickness and agility, along with the speed to close and finish plays. As a pass rusher, he is a player you have to account for on every snap. Johnson can simply explode by the tackle with his natural talent and get into the backfield. He also has a long, lean frame that should fill out as he continues to get older. He is a DE that could end up playing on Sundays around the 285 mark, and be an every down player. Even if he does not add weight to his frame, his athleticism and speed could allow him to play in a 3-4 defense.

Weaknesses

Johnson has only started one season at the college level, and still may be more hype than substance. The projections are based on his off the charts physical ability, not his production even though he did have a solid senior year. He does have a thin frame and will have to gain weight to be able to hold up as an every down end.

Future

Johnson was receiving hype as a potential #1 pick despite starting just two games entering his senior year. He had a productive season and still has a ton of upside but not enough to justify that pre-season hype. His ability off the edge will get him selected in the Top 25 though and with the right coaching, could make every team ahead of his team regret passing on him.

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2009/...l_johnson.html

I'm nto big on guys who dont' really produce at all in college. he may be good but taking a flyer on that isn't a decision I'd be comfortable making.

I agree. I'd be willing to take a shot at a guy like this during later rounds, but round 1 you must grab a starter.

he's a first round pick, apparently he is a freak athlete, and 7 pass break-ups for a de is insane-O. But I dont' like that he never broke past 7 sacks.

how has philip merling done this year? i remember people having a boner party over him and he only had like 7.5 sacks max in college. if you can't produce in college, you aren't going to produce in the nfl.