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Photo of Michael Johnson
Grade
?
  • 4.75 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 28 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 38.5 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 128.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.42 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.37 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'7" Height
  • 266LBS. Weight

Overview

Blessed with rare size, long arms and the burst off the snap to generate an instant pass rush off the edge, Johnson has exciting potential. To this point, however, that's mostly what Johnson has been -- potential. He garnered first-team All-ACC honors as a senior with 17.5 TFL and nine sacks but his play was spotty. A lot of his numbers were amassed against poor competition. Johnson might have a future as a pass-rushing linebacker in the 3-4 scheme so he can use his length and agility in coverage.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Rare athleticism for the position, making a switch to outside linebacker possible at the next level. ... Lanky, athletic frame with the room for considerable growth. ... Gained upper- and lower-body strength in his senior year and flashed the ability to bull rush tackles into the backfield. ... Takes advantage of his long arms to keep pass blockers at a distance. ... Able to keep tackles off his knees to avoid the cut block. ... Locates the ball quickly and can re-direct his charge. ... Good lateral agility and balance. ... Good straight-line speed. ... Accelerates quickly and has legitimate closing ability. ... Flashes the ability to punch, rip off and back up tackles using his length and increasing strength. ... Able to drop quickly, handle coverage responsibilities in the flat and has the hands to break up or intercept balls thrown in his area. ... Reads the quarterback's eyes to get hands in passing lanes. ... Able to force fumbles using his length to get a hand on the ball. Negatives: Is an unfinished product who needs to be more consistent in his technique and effort. ... May be relegated to a role as a pass-rush specialist at defensive end until he gains more strength. ... Too often relies on his speed to the outside to generate his pass rush, losing all gap responsibility. ... Inconsistent in his explosiveness off the ball and as a tackler. ... Has the speed and length to make life difficult for NFL tackles but must give more constant effort. ... Washed out when blockers (even smaller tight ends) get into his pads; his height is a detriment in those situations. ... Tends to stand around too much instead of chasing plays. ... Johnson has struggled with various injuries over his career.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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