With the 70th pick in the NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2009 10:42 AM EDT
in NFL Draft
6 comments
With the 70th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Michael Johnson, defensive end from Georgia Tech. The Bengals lacked a serious pass rush, which had many pundits thinking that Cincinnati will address defensive ends in the draft.
Here are his honors.
- 2009 Senior Bowl Invitee
- 2008 First Team All-America (AFCA)
- 2008 Third Team All-America (Phil Steele)
- 2008 Honorable Mention All-America (Sports Illustrated)
- 2008 First Team All-ACC
- 2008 First Team All-ACC (ACC Sports Journal)
- 2008 Second Team All-ACC (Rivals)
- 2008 Team Tri-Captain
- 2008 Team ACC co-Defensive Lineman of the Week (Nov. 3)
- 2008 Second Team Preseason All-America (Phil Steele)
- 2008 Bednarik Award Candidate
- 2008 Hendricks Award Midseason Candidate
- 2008 First Team Preseason All-ACC
| Season | Tackles | Sacks |
| 2008 | 45 | 9 |
| 2007 | 19 | 4 |
| 2006 | 34 | 6 |
| 2005 | 5 | 1 |
Mocking Dan calls it a steal.
Here's Dan's scouting report.
Michael Johnson
6’7, 260 pounds | Defensive end | Georgia Tech
Strengths: A specimen as a prospect, Johnson has the tools to be a special player. He’s athletic for a defensive end and has good quickness off the snap. Great initial burst to beat slower offensive linemen. Incredibly long-limbed player. Can cover a lot of ground quickly. Does a good job when he keeps low and can dip under offensive tackles. Sound tackler. Does a great job getting his hands up against passes and kicks.
Weaknesses: Motor has been inconsistent throughout his career. Still has a ways to go against the run. Possesses the frame of a basketball player, which he was in high school. Susceptible to cut blocks. Some speculate he should move to outside linebacker for 3-4 team, but he might be too much of a project in that role. Good strength, but could get stronger in his torso.
Final word: Johnson’s play as a pro will be determined by how hard he wants to work. If he plays hard every play and learns more pass rush moves, he could be a consistent Pro Bowler. As it stands, he’ll enter the NFL as something of a project who will need to get stronger. Some consider him an 3-4 outside linebacker, but he would be best served by adding 10 to 15 pounds of mass and staying as an end.
From Scouts Inc.
Here's his highlight film.
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Wow, another guy with first round talent but questions about his work ethic. It’s insane how Mike Brown continues to think this is the best strategy for building a football team, despite mountains of evidence to the contrary, including, oh say his entire 17-year tenure as owner.
by benf24 on Apr 26, 2009 10:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Strahan-like
This kid has a lot of potential. If he gets with an aggressive group like we should have this year, there’s a chance he could really come alive. Of course, there’s a chance he likes the Ganja too.
by UpStateMike on Apr 26, 2009 11:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t like this pick at all.
I LOVE IT!
I am hoping for Macho Harris, Mike Mickens, Rashad Jennings, or Johnathan Luigs in 10 picks.
by "Mr. NC-17" on Apr 26, 2009 11:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
RE:
Get your asses in the open thread. :)
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Kirkendall on Apr 26, 2009 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa… 6’7" ?? If he has even average arms for his height and they can light a bit of a fire under him this guy is going to take a whole quarter of the field and practically turn it into a no-pass-zone. Which would be kinda nice to have…
by FriarBob on Apr 26, 2009 6:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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