NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech by Jody Jamieson 3/3/2009
Michael Johnson is yet another defensive end in this years draft being touted as a potential 3-4 outside linebacker. While I can understand that notion, he’s one of the few tweener players who looks best suited to playing in the standard 4-3 at defensive end. I love his ability to get to the quarterback, but I do question his decision making and his likelihood of becoming an every down player. He gets too zoned in on the quarterback that he sometimes completely abandons stopping the run and could become an easy target in the running game. I think Johnson can develop into a capable player in the pros, but it’s unlikely he’ll be anything other than a specialist in his rookie season. The potential is obvious but he’s going to need good coaching in the NFL to ever become a starter. You watch highlights of him and he looks pretty devastating, but if you watch a full game film he can disappear for huge portions of a game, and you only notice him when he’s missing his assignment in the run game. Johnson only became a full time starter in his senior year and had an impressive enough year, but he still needs to show he can be more consistent.
Despite his shortcomings, he has the build and the athleticism to be worth the risk in the second round. Someone may even gamble in the first, although I think that would be an ill advised gamble. His Combine showing only highlighted the potential he has, but the questions still remain. Can be be an every down player in the pros? Can he learn to make better decisions? Will he take plays off in the NFL? All legitimate questions that need to be answered. His drive has been questioned and he was accused of taking a play off in college. NFL GM’s and coaches have enough ego to believe they can take a guy with ability but question marks about his character, and turn him into a model pro. That alone should assure he gets taken in round 2. To sum up, Johnson is the stereotypical boom or bust project.
What we like about Johnson
Great speed around the edge, and he’s strong enough to compete with the bigger tackles. Won’t always win those one on one battles, but isn’t finished when he gets engaged. While he does abandon his run stopping commitments too often, he’s a very sure tackler who with the proper coaching can become effective. Plenty of upside and continued to improve as his college career wore on. Good spin move and uses his hands well.
Question marks about Johnson
Doesn’t get a particularly quick jump and can sometimes be the last player out of his stance. Took plays off in college and needs to be more consistent to be an impact player in the NFL. Makes poor decisions and his football IQ is definitely under scrutiny. Potential workout warrior.
Highlight of his college career
After becoming a starter in 2008, Johnson had a solid senior year, registering 43 tackles with 15 for a loss and had a total of 7 sacks.
Other snippets
6′ 7″ tall and weighed in at 266 lbs at the Combine. He ran an impressive 4.75 40 yard dash and benched 225 lbs 28 times. Only Brian Orakpo and David Veikune put up more among defensive ends. His father Samuel is a veteran of the Vietnam War and received the Purple Heart award. Voted First Team All-ACC in 2008. Would fit well in Minnesota as a situational pass rusher, and could later emerge as a decent partner for Jared Allen. Otherwise look for the Giants, Bengals and Broncos to be interested.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Despite his shortcomings, he has the build and the athleticism to be worth the risk in the second round. Someone may even gamble in the first, although I think that would be an ill advised gamble. His Combine showing only highlighted the potential he has, but the questions still remain. Can be be an every down player in the pros? Can he learn to make better decisions? Will he take plays off in the NFL? All legitimate questions that need to be answered. His drive has been questioned and he was accused of taking a play off in college. NFL GM’s and coaches have enough ego to believe they can take a guy with ability but question marks about his character, and turn him into a model pro. That alone should assure he gets taken in round 2. To sum up, Johnson is the stereotypical boom or bust project.
