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.