DRAFT PREVIEW | LINEBACKERS
Taking Johnson No. 1 could be a spark to 3-4
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Mary Kay Cabot
Plain Dealer Reporter
Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson could be the impact player the Browns need to power their conversion to the 3-4 defense.
Johnson, the top-rated defensive player in the draft, is one the Browns are considering with the No. 3 overall pick. Earlier this week, Browns Director of Player Personnel Bill Rees said outside linebacker is "the critical position" in the 3-4 scheme.
"[Outside linebacker] is where you want your playmakers," he said. "Derrick plays inside but can rush off the edge. He can play outside and put pressure on the quarterback."
If the Browns are looking for a big-play linebacker, Johnson is their guy. Last year as a senior, he forced an NCAA-record nine fumbles. He also set a Texas record for linebackers with nine career interceptions.
"I have a knack for the ball," said Johnson. "It's my biggest asset, other than my speed."
Thanks to a stellar pro day workout, Johnson's stock is rising. His agent, Vann McElroy, said Friday that teams are trying to trade up for him and the Browns have undoubtedly fielded calls. But if Johnson is there at No. 3, the Browns might not be willing to part with him.
"They've shown a lot of interest in me and they really seem to like me," Johnson said Friday. "They think I can spark their 3-4 defense. I'd be honored to play for the Browns and I'm as excited about them as they seem to be about me."
Johnson has heard his stock is rising.
"I think I've solidified my position as the best defensive player in the draft over the past few months," he said. "My goal is to be No. 1, but I'd like to go as high I can."
Browns General Manager Phil Savage said Johnson (6-3, 242) is "somewhat intriguing" because Texas didn't use him much as a pass rusher. But Longhorns coach Mack Brown said Friday that Johnson has what it takes.
"Derrick will be a great pass rusher in the NFL," said Brown. "In addition to his speed, he's got long arms, great reach and he can grab and pull."
Brown said Johnson rushed more last year under first-year coordinator Greg Robinson, who had been an NFL defensive coordinator for 14 years, but that the Longhorns generally blitzed their safeties.
"We wanted him to stay where he was and use his speed to make plays sideline to sideline," said Brown. "And with the safeties blitzing, Derrick covered the backs coming out of the backfield."
Brown said Johnson will be a great pro "because he's only going to get bigger, better and stronger. I can see him becoming a 250- or 260-pound linebacker who can still run a 4.5."
Brown said Johnson benefited tremendously from one season with Robinson, who has two Super Bowl rings. "He really helped Derrick get prepared for the NFL," said Brown.
When Robinson arrived, he showed Johnson 15 of his good plays and 15 of his bad ones. He pointed out that Johnson was reacting too quickly -- and turning his explosiveness into a liability.
"He slowed me down to make my percentage of getting to the ball much better," said Johnson. "I'm a lot more under control now and don't get fooled on play-action."
Robinson also stressed stripping the ball and Johnson took it to heart, forcing nine fumbles. In comparison, the Browns forced 11 fumbles last season.
"Every time I try to stop a person, I'm thinking ball!,' " said Johnson.
Robinson, now the head coach at Syracuse, said: "I can't say enough about him. He's going to be something special in the NFL." He told NFL.com's Pat Kirwan that Johnson is the best linebacker he's ever coached.
In 2004, Johnson earned the Butkus Award for the nation's best linebacker and the Bronko Nagurski Award for the nation's best defensive player.
"But the thing that really sets him apart is his character and work ethic," said Brown. "He was [a] unanimous [pick as] captain and was never in my office once for a negative. He's just a wonderful guy."
Johnson's rise to the NFL seems inevitable. His older brother, Dwight, played for the Giants and Eagles. His cousin, Bert Emanuel, played for the Falcons, Bucs and Dolphins.
"Football is in my blood," he said. "I don't think I could've gotten out of it. My mom has 21 brothers and sisters, so I have a lot of cousins playing football. You had to play just to see if you could make it."
Johnson compares himself to Derrick Brooks, the future Hall of Fame linebacker for the Bucs. And from the sound of things, he might not be too far off.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670