Michael Johnson...still

[cland]

I can't help it, I'm still stuck on this Michael Johnson kid. If you haven't seen it check out this highlight video, all of those games are from the last season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzKWDGf5-Hc

The guys workout numbers are excellent:
6’7” 266lbs
4.6ish 40 time
Put the bar up 28 times (really good for a long armed guy)

There’s an interview too somewhere, and by all accounts he has great character. Dad was a former marine, good grades at college, no legal issues.

Now there are obviously negatives, but I can’t quite get over how similar they were to Mario Williams’ negatives:

*sometimes takes plays off, questionable motor
*stats were okay, but should have been more productive against better teams, shares the 'all his stats were against weak teams' description that fits Mario's criticism exactly
*uses his speed to go around rather than through the OL
*workout warrior

If it were up to me, and I had plugged most of my holes I’d take a shot early enough that you're sure to get him. Here’s why:

First, we have some great influences already on the team and I think Mario can represent a leader for this kid. Everyone has been impressed with Mario's work ethic in the off-season and more importantly on-field. If Johnson came in trying to emulate Mario's success, he certainly has all the knowledge and guidance he'll need.

Second, Bill Kollar is all about hustle and playing 100% at all times, something Michael needs to do. Bill's average sacks per year number (+1 higher than the Texans all-time yearly sack count) suggests that he can teach pass-rushing. Just speculation, but I'd guess with his ex-marine father Johnson is used to loud and hard coaching.

If we land him, I would let him play pass-rush specialist his first year while he learns the ropes and gets bigger/stronger and conditioned better.
On passing downs we would have: Mario Smith Okoye Johnson…pretty damn convincing if Johnson works out and Okoye gets better.

To slip a mock draft in here, and steal one of the trade ideas I got from Keith. Here ya go:

Trade: Texans #15 and #46 (1490 score) for the Eagles #21 and #28 (1460 score)

#21 - Defensive BPA
#28 - Michael Johnson DE
#77 - FS/RB/DT
#112 - FS/RB/DT
#122 - FS/RB/DT
#152 - G/CB/Best
#188 - G/CB/Best
#223 - G/CB/Best