Dennis Mother ******* Johnson

[JDouble]

I gotta have one guy every year. Johnson is that guy this year. I don't think he is the second coming of Barry Sanders, but I do think he is an absolute steal if he goes as late as he is currently projected. He's build very similar to our own Doug Martin. Listed at 5'8" 215lbs. He's not as amazing a runner as Doug is, but he is good and probably a little more physical. He has  a wicked stiff arm and runs defenders over quite regularly. While his running is good, it's not the only reason I love the kid.

He is a proven kick returner. He broke records as a returner. He is Arkansas' all time leader and he also surpassed Carnell WIlliams as 10th all time in the SEC in total yards. He is the SEC's record holder for career total return average at 24.0 yards per return, career kickoff return yards with 2,755 and career kickoff returns with 115. That fills a big need for us cause having no real kick/punt returner last year killed us.

He is an excellent receiver. He caught 50 passes over the last two seasons in Arkansas and he looks natural catching the ball. Plus he is dangerous after the catch in open field. Not quite Sproles like, but very slippery.

He is proven in pass protection. Even when the much bigger Kniles Davis was starting and healthy, Johnson would come in to pass protect on most pass plays. That's a huge plus to me.

Lastly, he's tough as nails and he doesn't fumble. He had a freak injury (perforated colon!) and missed 2010, but if you add up all his touches from 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2012....including catches, carries, and kick/punt returns, he touched the ball 618 times.....and fumbled twice.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pijo3OaOYaY

[JDouble]

http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=6100&ATCLID=1514878

[chace1986]

I like him as well...but for a mid-late round prospect...don't know if he is worthy of a f-bomb replacement of his middle name just yet.

[JDouble]

Draft countdown has him as the 25th best RB in the draft

CBS Sports says 22nd.

Walters says 19th.

NFP says 9th, but I think it is because they haven't updated their rankings in awhile.

For whatever reason Johnson did not play in the Shrine game or Senior Bowl, and as far as I can tell he isn't going to the combine. So his stock, which was never very good, is sinking like a rock while other guys impress. This cat could be a very late pick or even undrafted.

[The Anti-Java]

I used to be a big fan of his when he was with the Celtics.

[Detrimental]

Potential gem. I like Kniles Davis, however.

[mgchat76]

I'm down with dropping a 6th or 7th on him.

[JDouble]

http://nfl.si.com/2013/04/01/nfl-draft-pro-day-risers-fallers/

http://arkansas.247sports.com/Article/Arkansas-Dennis-Johnson-preparing-for-NFL-Draft-121862

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=83204&draftyear=2013&genpos=RB



Still think drafting this kid late could be the most important draft pick we make this year. He is basically Doug Martin with less agility. He's the ideal guy to team up with Martin, because he is a good all around back and you don't lose much when you spell Martin with Dennis. He's a good runner, has proven hands, and understands pass protection. On top of that, Dennis Johnson was one of the greatest return men in college football....so he fills two big needs. That is a big value for a late round draft pick. Fingers crossed.

[Bucko40]

Funny that this year there isn't the one player that I feel the Bucs absolutely must have. I really like Jarvis Jones but I won't be crushed if we don't select him.

What does that say about this draft class.

[BucNY]

Looks like a mix of MJD and Darren Sproles

[bucs449]

Hmmmm, looks like a poor man's version of Chad Spann....

Just kidding JD

[youngone]

Lol

[McBarron]

Good lord, dub, you really like this guy that much?

What would you refer to Barry Sanders and Walter Payton as? Serious question.

[Dolorous Jason]

I'm pretty sure we have our sites set on Christine Micheal.

[McBarron]

Not crazy about any RBs named Christina.