@ytownbrownsbacker said:

That's a fair point. But the Browns subsequently set up a private workout/visit with Johnson, so the level of interest is somewhat higher.

Aloysius said:

Johnson's a tremendous athlete and has drawn comparison to Mathias Kiwanuka. However, he's not a guy I'm particularly excited about. Though he put up 28 reps of 225 at the Combine, he doesn't look very strong on tape. Intelligence may also be an issue, as Johnson has a habit of making bad mistakes: in GTech's bowl game, he both jumped offside and drew a roughing the passer penalty.

I'm a bit surprised that the Browns would be interested in him, but I guess Johnson's physical tools are too intriguing not to investigate, especially considering he could still be on the board at #36.

Good stuff!

THIS guy right here has a Gerrard Warren type of protypical for his specific position. The book cover looks great BUT buyer beware. Unfortunately, there's been alot rumors he also has Gerrard Warren's heart. That's alot of cholesterol after a signing bonus we don't need.

Would it make sense to replace Wimbley with a player less interested? Wimbley's motor isn't his problem. I feel our coaches did a horrible job with a rookie talent that gave us 11 sacks. Nothing about that says bad prognosis.

Chaun Thompson was ANOTHER guy we botched on. Here was a kid that was so gifted and athletic he even punted and place kicked for his college team. OF COURSE, he was going to require a little more pateince because of the layers of level he jumped from small school to Pros. That said, he's got EVERYTHING you look for in a workout to go coincide with his 255 pound frame and height. He ran 4.5s unless we were lied to and could bench 225 pounds about 26-30 times. When you're tossing guys like this into the NFL recycle bin as frequently as we did - your coaching wasn't what it needed to be. David McMillan was nnother alleged 4.5/4/6 guy we kept around for 3 years and didn't see growth from. I'm not sure ALL these cases were the player. Even the walkon from OSU that started some games as a rookie - no upside after that? ONE of these kids should have been able to develop to where we needed him.

THIS time around, I hope Mangini has the coaches RAC lacked for these young players. Rick Lyle (a former undrafted but productive DE/pass rusher) has their butt in the off season strength and conditioning program while I LOVE seeing some of the names joinging our defensive staff. Bryan Cox was a GREAT player who brought alot of intensity so I'm sure we'll benefit from his wealth of experience and knowhow.

- Tom F.

They also need to look for late round finds and potential UDFA.

Usually some small schools that don't have their own pro days have their guys go up to a bigger school so they can work out in front of the pros.

@louisville-slugger said:

He did make a nice play in coverage in that game. He's one of the rare 6'7" guys who's capable of making the transition to 3-4 OLB.

The BC game was probably the best I've seen him play. But the problem is that 1) he doesn't always look like that, and 2) even in that game he didn't really show the strength to set the edge in the run game.

As you said, he's got a lot of potential, but you have to trust the guy if you're going to draft him based on what he could become. Johnson plays too soft and celebrates too many minor tackles for me to think he's going to develop into that player.

But if we draft him, I'll certainly hope I'm wrong.

Im not really in love with anyone at the 5, mid to Late 1st looks like where all the real value is with guys like Maclin, Moreno, Malaluga, Tyson Jackson, Johnson etc.

If we stay at 5 my opinion the best players for us would be Crabtree, Curry, and Raji in that order.

@louisville-slugger said:

The main thing about 3-4 OLB is coming blocks and rushing the QB. If we polish up his technique he will be one of the best defensive players in the draft.

Also he is lanky but has plenty of room to add 10 lbs and still keep his burst.

So are you saying if they take Orakpo at #5 you would still take another OLB with #36 or #50.

The main thing about 3-4 OLB is coming blocks and rushing the QB. If we polish up his technique he will be one of the best defensive players in the draft.

Also he is lanky but has plenty of room to add 10 lbs and still keep his burst.

Lanky doesn't cut it in football. It's too easy for a guy like Joe Thomas to drive you around like a car.

I'd avoid that one. Browns can NOT take the chance...

Aloysius said:

Late 1st/early 2nd seems to be where he'll get drafted. He's a risky pick, given that he never was an every down DE or notched more than 7 sacks in a season. Also, there were reports that he backed out of the Senior Bowl because he "just didn't feel like playing" (later on, his people claimed it was because of a shoulder injury).

EDIT: The Panthers don't have a first round pick because of the Jeff Otah trade. They must be considering taking him in the 2nd Round...or maybe with a 1st Round pick they'd get for Peppers.

maybe so....may be more a look at our 1st pick in round 2.

Doesn't mean we are taking him....just doing our homework.

He's a physical specimen, but he may not be anything more than a situational pass rusher at the next level.

They certainly are not looking at him as an OLB are they? He ran a fast 40 time but man, a 6'7" OLB?

Late 1st/early 2nd seems to be where he'll get drafted. He's a risky pick, given that he never was an every down DE or notched more than 7 sacks in a season. Also, there were reports that he backed out of the Senior Bowl because he "just didn't feel like playing" (later on, his people claimed it was because of a shoulder injury).

EDIT: The Panthers don't have a first round pick because of the Jeff Otah trade. They must be considering taking him in the 2nd Round...or maybe with a 1st Round pick they'd get for Peppers.