DE Michael Johnson a fit at #11?

by Hambone on Mar 9, 2009 7:55 PM EDT

There has been a recent post by Fortworth giving us a great feel for what Maybin could possibly bring. First, Thank you for the information Fortworth. Second, as much as I like Maybin, I personally lean toward another DE in the draft more. I am very impressed with Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech. Why? I just think he kind of reminds me of a young Bruce Smith.

I watched a few GT games over the last couple of years and every time I do, this guy stood out to me on the field. Going into his senior season he had quite a bit of hype. Did he live up to that hype? Maybe not the #1 overall hype that was initially thought, but, I have to tell ya. I would "love" him at #11.

This kid is a physical specimen with excellent height, decent weight (with room for muscle growth) and EXCELLENT speed. This kid can come off the edge with the best of them. He ran a recorded 4.66 speed at the combine in the 40 but it has been reported that a few NFL coaches have clocked him in the 4.49-4.59 range. This guy put up 28 reps of 225 at the combine as well. At 6'7" 260 pounds this kid to me would be an instant contributor on our defensive line.

I have come across some pretty decent updated information with all his measurables and news and notes of what he did for coaches at his pro day if you havent read on him already. I move to select DE Michael Johnson from Georgia Tech @ #11 for the Buffalo Bills. Anyone second that? Please check it out the link at nfldraftscout.com. Micheal Johnson - DE - Georgia Tech

I am also adding a highlight clip that I found. Make sure to check him out coming off the snap of the ball as well as possible special teams FG blocking situations. Wow!! Johnson Hightlight Clip

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.

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I would rather reach for Alex Mack then take Johnson. He has Mike Mamula written all over him.

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on Mar 9, 2009 8:07 PM EDT reply actions

To take the convo another way, what does everyone have against Mike Mamula? He had 31.5 sacks in 77 NFL games before injuries finallly ended his career (he struggled through injuries for most of his post-college effort) Mamula was a really good NFL player who reflected his workout numbers and if someone reproduced his college production and workout numbers today, they probably wouldn’t be taken 7th overall and be counted on as an every down DE. The guy was good until he got hurt and even though he didn’t live up to his workout/draft status, things have changed and we will never really see a Mike Mamula type situation ever again. Mamula is a bad comparison to any and everyone in the draft if you ask me.

by kaisertown on Mar 9, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

It is the work out warrior type that Mamula is the poster child of.

The time has come for someone to put his foot down. And that foot is me.

by sireric on Mar 10, 2009 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

I guess that’s true I just don’t know why Mamula is the poster child.

by kaisertown on Mar 10, 2009 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Is he too tall to play DE?

It seems to me like he would have a hard time dipping under o-linemen.

You can’t let T.O. use your man berries as a chew toy!

by Joe P. on Mar 9, 2009 9:12 PM EDT reply actions

Mario Williams is 6'6"

and he has 30.5 sack in his first 3 years, including 12 last year. Would you say he’s too tall to play DE?

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 9, 2009 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions

good point....I didn't think he was that tall.

You can’t let T.O. use your man berries as a chew toy!

by Joe P. on Mar 9, 2009 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions

He's also heavier than Johnson.

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 9, 2009 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions

he's no taller than denney

i think watching him and a lot of it has to do w/ his body type and athletic ability but he reminds me of a young and maybe even a little slimmer peppers

by Shovel51 on Mar 10, 2009 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Peppers is 6' 7" 283 pounds

now i am not saying he is the next peppers, but i definately wouldnt mind taking this guy especially if we could trade back in the first round and get more value, or if they thought he was worth trading back into the bottom of the first or top of the 2nd to snag.. if he’s a player that could turn into a peppers type i’ll take him at 11 and no matter what the so-called experts think..

by Shovel51 on Mar 10, 2009 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Can you be too tall too play DE?

by kaisertown on Mar 9, 2009 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Isn’t everyone saying he has all of the tools, but not the right kind of head?

by krytime on Mar 9, 2009 9:19 PM EDT reply actions

Yes Kry...

That is what critics like Mayoc are saying. But, you have to remember they need to write and/or say something. What I can tell you is what I saw in games whether it be against what critics again consider lower tier teams or in bigger games. He is just a beast coming off the corner. They say he checks out once in awhile, but, what I would like to say is that when we all saw Houston draft Mario over Reggie Bush there were many that called the Texans dummies. I see this kid becoming something special. Sorry sireric, I just dont put him in the Mamula mold. Two quotes he made that shows me he wants to succeed are the following…..“Any negative energy is motivation and fuel”. The other when Mike Mayoc questioned Johnson’s mind and in rebutle, Johnson came back with this towards Mayoc…..
“He’s got a job, and I’m trying to get me one”.
I think this kid can be special.

"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?"
~Vince Lombardi~

by Hambone on Mar 9, 2009 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m not saying he doesn’t have the chance to be something special. I just think he’ s probably not worth the risk at number 11 to find out.

I’m a fan of “freaks” who are questionable. I wanted Buffalo to figure out a way to get Calais Campbell last year, but obviously not in the first.

If this kid reaches the mid to late point of the 2nd round, it wouldn’t take much to convince me to take a flier on him. But definitely not before then…

by krytime on Mar 9, 2009 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions

if he's there in the 2nd round for us and we didnt go DE in the first you take him hands down

by Shovel51 on Mar 10, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions

He'll most likely be ther in the second

Maybe you’ve got something there, Draft Maualuga or Cushing in the first and this guy in the second and we just filled two BIG holes.

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 10, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

You’re right in that Johnson has elite potential, but he is WAYYYYY too risky to be a first-round pick, let alone the #11 pick overall.

I’d consider him in the second. At the earliest.

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by Brian Galliford on Mar 9, 2009 9:23 PM EDT reply actions

I agree Brian....

But, after looking over the DE and DT prospects. I feel that you can throw out Orapko, Brown and English as they will most likely be more of a OLB in the 3-4 system. Maybin, as much as I like him, I dont know that he can put on enough bulk to become that DE that we need. This to me pushes Johnson up to my #1 DE on the board. Is it logical to take a risk on him at #11? Maybe not. But, was it logical to risk Whitner? You tell me. You have strong opinions on him. LOL
I am saying that if we can’t get Raji at #11 or one of the big OL dont fall, then I go with our biggest and most glaring need with the best talent available, IMO, in Johnson. Again, it is risky, but, if they are taking risks this year, ala Mr. Owens, then why not?

"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?"
~Vince Lombardi~

by Hambone on Mar 9, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Because Owens has proven he can produce. Johnson has proven quite literally nothing.

Just because we’ve reached on first round picks in the past doesn’t make it a good idea to do it again.

I have Johnson listed as the #7 DE on my board behind (in order) Everette Brown, Aaron Maybin, Brian Orakpo, Larry English, Connor Barwin and Cody Brown. Every single one of those guys are projected as 3-4 outside linebackers. I could not care less. All have the potential to be elite edge rushers in a Tampa 2.

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Mar 9, 2009 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Point well taken Brian. I think you are stating you feel those other 6 are more proven that Johnson is. I accept that. Some mayb call it a reach in round 1, but, me, I guess I look at the potential of him being the best DE available and mabye being the steal of the draft. Of course. I’m no fantasy guru like Mike Mayoc and the likes. I am the arm chair kind of guy. Never know, I could be way off base here.

"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?"
~Vince Lombardi~

by Hambone on Mar 9, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Nobody is worth our #11

trade down for Pettigrew

Then get Connor Barwin and then either Unger / Mack or Woods

Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!

by keysh67 on Mar 9, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

why do you want pettigrew?? he's another royal, mack/unger/wooods won't be there in the 3rd

by Shovel51 on Mar 10, 2009 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

If we trade down

then you draft Mack!

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 10, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah i have no problem w/ that

by Shovel51 on Mar 10, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Unrelated?

Heard good things about the kid from LSU (name has lost me?) He has been said to be the best “true” DE in the draft. Are these guys similar…are they both guys we can get in the 2nd round, while getting either a LB or hey, how abut two DEs…(just kidding)

The Bills CAN win every game

by killascript on Mar 9, 2009 9:33 PM EDT reply actions

Tyson Jackson

and IMO I would put him more in the middle. Maybe like a stroud. He is 6-4 and 295 or so without much speed for a DE. Good player, but, not on the end.

"If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?"
~Vince Lombardi~

by Hambone on Mar 9, 2009 9:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Fair enough

I think Bruce was bigger coming out of college (285-295), but of course there was a steroid thing with him as i recall, but he played his best years at about 270.
Let me say that i agree that i would like Johnson on this team, as i see him as a stronger player than maybin, and more of a “man” if that makes sense in terms of his core muscle structure and ability to hold up to NFL lineman. Maybin is still a kid in my opinion and while he as great quickness, will not be of great impact this year. But while Maybin is a great talent, Johnson could be the D line steal of the draft, and might even be had in Rd 2

The Bills CAN win every game

by killascript on Mar 9, 2009 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve been a Johnson fan and supporter for awhile (one of the few). That said, I don’t think he is worthy of the 11th pick. He has too many question marks to really be considered that high.

As a prospect, I really like him. He has the best first step of any front 7 player in the draft (minus Aaron Curry and a couple 220 pound LBs). He has the height and good strength for his weight. He is really, really skinny though. If you saw a picture of him, all you can see is that he looks more like a basketball player than a defensive lineman and that is my biggest concern.

Another issue is that he had a terrible (and I don’t think I can stress terrible enough) time diagnosing plays in college. He is one of the best couple athletes regardless of position in the draft, but he simply has too many questions to take him in the first 20 picks.

by kaisertown on Mar 9, 2009 11:17 PM EDT reply actions

Awesome Potential

but the guy is only a decent end. He does have a great first step and he does have excellent quickness, but he has virtually no pass rush moves, he simply makes a straight line to the QB. This won’t work very well in the NFL. Love his upside and I do think he has talent. Not enough talent to be drafted at 11 – NO WAY.

The time to deliver is now and if you fail to do so you will no doubt witness the consequences first hand.

by Cutter3636 on Mar 10, 2009 12:36 AM EDT reply actions

I don't understand how coaches could have allowed this guy to get this far w/o pass rushing moves.

to me great pass rushers have very quick hands and no how to hand fight at the line of scrimmage w/ the best of them while using leverage and speed all at the same time. a club or a rip move, or spin move is not rocket science and should be things that are already in this guys toolbelt…and a lot of pass rushing is instinctive and feel. maybe it’s because he’s gotten away w/ being able to simply use his speed, strength and quickness that he hasn’t had to showcase all his abilties in the pass rush, now i’m not saying that’s a good thing, but to me learning hand placement is not that difficult and should come natural if this guy is such a great athlete.

by Shovel51 on Mar 10, 2009 9:10 AM EDT reply actions

DONT GET WORK UP

THEY are all a risk every player is a risk because they havent play a single game in the N.F.L SO why are we talking this guy or that guy is a risk look at all the great players of the late rounds. NObody was tlking to them as impact players right away . CAN you name a few yes you will . SO LETS YUST GET the GUY thats is going to want to crave , to sleep breath BILLS FOOTBALL when we get him . and make and impact right away not later not next year inmediate kapissh. THE BILLS ARE COMING BEWARE

by abayarde on Mar 10, 2009 2:45 PM EDT reply actions

Winn baby Winn!!!!

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free.

by MattRichWarren on Mar 10, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Man I love this guy

So much passion!… not so big on punctuation, but your heart is at the right place.

WINN BABY WINN!!!!!

by CanadianBillsFan on Mar 10, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I watch alot of ACC ball...

and I was not overly impressed by Johnson. Theres no doubt that he has the physical tools, but I watched him in particular during a few games (including their bowl game) and he had a minimal impact.

"I'm going to talk to Mike and see what he has to say and see what he thinks he needs. But there are going to be some changes. What's that old song? 'There are going to be some changes made'? Frankly I forget the words beyond 'there are going to be some changes made.'" -Ralph Wilson, Jr.

by LONNIEJOHNSON on Mar 10, 2009 9:17 PM EDT reply actions