Brian Johnston Pro Day 40yd Dash on Youtube

[NIUhuskies]

Dude looks big and fast as hell!!! Love this pick!
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One of the top prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft that you have probably never heard of is Brian Johnston. Yes Gardner Webb’s defensive end Brian Johnston is from a small school, but he has big time NFL talent. You don’t think those small school players can compete in the NFL? Just ask the Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen, who was a fourth-round selection (126th overall) out of Division I-AA Idaho State from the 2004 NFL Draft. Johnston is also similar to Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end Jason Hatcher, who was selected in the 3rd round (92nd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft from small school Grambling. Johnston has similar size (6’ 5” 280 lbs) and production to both of those guys as well as similar NFL potential.

He (Johnston) was named a first-team Associated Press All-American after the 2007 season, this was the second year in a row Johnston has received that distinction. He has also been honored as one of the top small school NFL Draft prospects by well respected talent scout Josh Buchanan. He was also named as a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and the Walter Camp Football Foundation and is the Gardner Webb Bulldogs’ first consensus All-America since Harold Wells did it in 2004.

This season (2007), the senior Johnston was named Big South Defensive Player of the Year two years in a row, he recorded an impressive 74 total tackles, 37 being solo, a school and conference-record 24 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback sacks and 22 quarterback hurries. He finished ranked No. 2 nationally in tackles for loss on the season, and established new Big South Conference career records for sacks (20.5) and tackles for loss. Johnston finished his career as the top tackling defensive lineman in school history with 268 total tackles.

With the advent of the 34 defense in the NFL, those jumbo defensive ends like Johnston have been much sought after. Johnston has fought almost constant double teams, which is why his 6 sacks don’t look that impressive, but he has proven to be very solid against the run, despite being double teamed, his 74 tackles, 20.5 being for a loss, prove that he can fight through multiple blockers and get to the ball carrier. Very good at using his hands, strong and quick, Johnston plays the game with a non-stop motor. He will have to increase his repertoire of pass rushing moves and continue to train to get stronger and quicker in the NFL, but he has the raw talent and skills to warrant a 4th or 5th round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Update: Johnston played very well in the 2008 Hula Bowl, one of the nation’s better College Football All-Star games. He didn't get an invitation to the 2008 NFL Scouting Combine, but on 8 March 2008 he dazzled scouts at his Pro Day workout. Measuring in at 6-foot-5, 274 pounds, Johnston ran his first 40-yard dash in an eye-popping 4.66 seconds. His slowest time of the day was 4.70, which is still faster than Johnston’s best time a year ago. Johnston’s 40-yard dash time during his pro day, would have been the fourth best at the recent NFL Scouting Combine for defensive ends, and the best for any lineman weighing more than 260 pounds.

His most impressive stat from the 40-yard dash came with a very strong 1.51-second time through the first 10 yards, an important time with regards to a players quickness. By comparison, Johnston's 10-yard split was the same as Arkansas running back Darren McFadden turned in at the Combine earlier this year.

He recorded an impressive 35-inch vertical leap as well, which would have ranked second among defensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine – and best for a player of his size.

The most impressive result overall, however, may have been Johnston’s time in the 20-yard shuttle. He turned in a 4.18-second time, which is better than any lineman at the NFL’s Scouting Combine. In fact, the 4.18-second time was faster than any running back at the event – with Illinois’ Rashard Mendenhall the only back to match that time.

A 6.96-second time in the 3-cone, was also impressive, and would rank him third if he would have went to the combine.

“I felt really good after the workout,” Johnston said. “The few scouts who stayed behind [after San Diego State’s players finished] said that it was the best workout of the day, by far, and they were impressed. My agent [Baltimore-based Tony Agnone] told me Sunday that nearly every team in the NFL had called him after getting those results. That’s encouraging for me.”

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/brian_johnston.htm

[CrazyPhuD]

While I like him...I just have the nasty feeling he's the next brian shay/jessie haynes....so much hype everyone loves him....yet does nothing...

[milkman]

While I like him...I just have the nasty feeling he's the next brian shay/jessie haynes....so much hype everyone loves him....yet does nothing...

He's big strong and fast, all things you look for in a DE.

Shay was a slowass midget.

I'm not sure what Haynes was.

[teedubya]

Yes, the new Rich Scanlon hath arrived.

[milkman]

Yes, the new Rich Scanlon hath arrived.

I don't think that they compare.

There were some who were talking about Johnston as a potential Chief draft pick well before the draft.

Scanlon was a "Who the **** did they just select?" pick.

The Roy's were the only ones who thought he was anything more than a scrub.

[Hootie]

I don't understand why, with these measurables, he fell so far? Makes no sense...he must not be a great football player...I mean, if it's too good to be true...know what I mean?

[Mecca]

Alot of times on the 2nd day you get people taking players they "fell in love with" over top measurables or production.

That's also when teams start looking to fill needs. I'm sure some teams downgraded him for the school he played for, things happen.

[Hootie]

Alot of times on the 2nd day you get people taking players they "fell in love with" over top measurables or production.

That's also when teams start looking to fill needs. I'm sure some teams downgraded him for the school he played for, things happen.

I would love to see him be the next Jared Allen...but a guy with these numbers doesn't fall unless they know something we don't...you're telling me no one took a flyer on this guy in round 6?

I don't know...just seems to good to be true?

[Mecca]

There are pro bowl players that have gone undrafted...sometimes you can outscout yourself, but I'm going to guess his build factored into him falling.

[Tribal Warfare]

but I'm going to guess his build factored into him falling.

The guy looks stout, somehow Johnston just got lost in the fold, it happens alot unfortunately

[the Talking Can]

if the guy developed into a Hicks quality rotational DE, it would be a great pick for a 7th....anything else would be gravy....

[Brock]

I'll laugh my ass off if he turns out to be another Jared Allen.

[KCFalcon59]

I'm not sure what Haynes was.

A fumbling slow ass midget.

[Tribal Warfare]

I'll laugh my ass off if he turns out to be another Jared Allen.



With an evil grin :fire:

[keg in kc]

I don't think he'll be another Jared Allen, he's more of a prototypical strong-side d-end, bigger/heavier, and probably doesn't have quite the first step (although he's damn quick, apparently).

But he does have really good-looking measurables. He could definitely turn out to be another late-round gem. I think Hali's capable of coming close to Allen's production from last year. If Johnston can turn into an 8-10 sack guy in the next year or two and play strong against the run...watch out.

This d-line may be nuts in 2009/2010.

[Mr. Kotter]

I don't think he'll be another Jared Allen, he's more of a prototypical strong-side d-end, bigger/heavier, and probably doesn't have quite the first step (although he's damn quick, apparently).

But he does have really good-looking measurables. He could definitely turn out to be another late-round gem. I think Hali's capable of coming close to Allen's production from last year. If Johnston can turn into an 8-10 sack guy in the next year or two and play strong against the run...watch out.

This d-line may be nuts in 2009/2010.

:spock:

I honestly think this guy's upside is....as good as Allen's was. Seriously. The measurables don't lie. Johnston actually has more skills, coming in, than Allen had; I'm sure Allen didn't beat the top RB in that draft in anything.

On the other hand, he has to come in with that same passion and hunger that Jared did.....and he has to work as hard as Jared did, without losing his intensity, tenacity, and passion. IF he's able to do that, all we lost was an "experienced" Jared Allen....cause Johnston actually looks at least AS GOOD, if not better, on "paper" than Allen did at this point in his career.

Guess we will see....

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Measureables are important, but we don't know what kind of pass rush moves he has, how well he uses his hands, how well he can use leverage, how quick he is off the snap, what his motor is like...there are a lot of known unknowns/Rumsfeld.

[teedubya]

I'll laugh my ass off if he turns out to be another Jared Allen.

It would make them look brilliant. I rue the day when I give Carl Peterson props. unless he wins a Superbowl in his last year of the contract. Then I forgive him, but I would still hate him.

f*ck Carl Peterson

[B_Ambuehl]

He looks a little squatty and short armed to be a good NFL caliber defensive end but it's sort of hard to tell from that clip. With few exceptions short armed squatty guys tend not to last long regardless of how fast they run or how much they bench.

[aturnis]

Most in depth scouting report I think I've seen on him....

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/draft/1278875 (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/draft/1278875)

A converted outside linebacker, Brian Johnston continues to grow -- physically and in the eyes of NFL scouts. A product of the Garner-Webb weight room, where he has added more than 45 pounds of bulk since his freshman year, Johnston is regarded as the premier defensive prospect below the Bowl Subdivision ranks.

The San Diego native was the only Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) player on the Ted Hendricks Award list in 2007, which also includes FBS standouts such as George Selvie (South Florida), Chris Long (Virginia), Calais Campbell (Miami), Tyson Jackson (Louisiana State) and Lawrence Jackson (Southern California).

At Madison High School, Johnston earned first-team All-Harbor League honors as a defensive end during his senior season. A member of the San Diego Union-Tribune All-Academic Team and a High School Heisman nominee, he added All-League accolades as a junior on the defensive line. He finished his final season with 82 total tackles (30 solo), 10 sacks and 13 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also deflected six passes and caused four fumbles.

Johnston enrolled at Gardner-Webb in 2004, turning down offers to attend Colorado State and Arizona. As a true freshman, he started seven of nine games at strong-side linebacker, missing two games with a right hamstring strain. He finished with 58 tackles (24 solo), two sacks, five stops for losses and nine pressures. He caused three fumbles, recovered another and deflected two passes.

As a sophomore, Johnston shifted to right defensive end, picking up All-Big South Conference honors from the league's coaches and media. He tied for the conference lead with five sacks, adding 12 ½ stops behind the line of scrimmage and 15 pressures. He produced 59 tackles (28 solo) while causing four fumbles and recovering another.

Johnston had a banner junior campaign in 2006, as he earned All-American second-team, All-Big South Conference first-team and Big South Defensive Player of the Year honors. The All-Central Region Defensive Player of the Year again led the league with eight sacks, the 11th-best season total in school history. He registered 77 tackles (35 solo) with 14 stops for losses and 23 pressures. He caused two fumbles and recovered another.

The Hendricks Award and Buchanan Award finalist continued to wreak havoc in the opposition's backfield as a senior. He recorded 74 tackles (34 solo) with six sacks and ranked third nationally with 24 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also deflected three passes, caused a fumble and experienced every defender's dream - playing on offense and catching a 3-yard TD pass.

In 42 games at Gardner-Webb, Johnson started 40 contests. He recorded 268 tackles (124 solo), 21 sacks for minus-140 yards and was credited with 69 quarterback pressures. He also produced 55 ½ stops for losses of 257 yards, as he caused 10 fumbles and had three fumble recoveries. He deflected six passes, blocked a kick and scored on a 3-yard catch.
Analysis

Positives: Has a frame that can carry additional bulk, good arm length and large hands to grab and drag down ballcarriers … Shows very good hand usage, keeping the active in his pass rush, executing good crossover action to get an edge on a slower offensive tackle … Shows good body control, hip flexibility and balance turning the corner to give chase in the backfield … Gets a decent hand jolt with his punch to slow down backs and tight ends … Plays with pain and does not shut down until the whistle … Has the ability to collide and generate good pop on contact when he plays at a good pad level … Plays better on the move, but has the adequate power base to hold his ground and can be disruptive with his hands when he keeps them inside the framework … Seems more comfortable when asked to stunt, rather than anchor and read … Has the lateral agility to work down the line … Has enough leverage to sit in the gap and hold his ground (inconsistent vs. double teams), as he has the hand placement to get a quick release when he does not get engulfed by larger blockers … If he keeps his pads down in can be tough to handle in one-on-one blocking (will get washed on down blocks) … Not really extra strong at the point of attack, but plays with good knee-bend and leverage … Fights pressure vs. reach blocks … Has the functional hip flip to make plays off the edge … When he shoots his hands quickly, he can shock a blocker … Has enough foot quickness to move and get through trash … Plays the game on his feet and, if he gets a free lane to the quarterback, he can seal the deal and collapse the pocket … Shows nimble foot moves to skate, string plays out and catch them from behind … Has good leverage working off the edge and is a classic hand fighter in attempts to clear the line on the pass rush … Has a quick swim move that generates a good push past the blockers … His quickness allows him to bend on the corner and he likes to use his spin and counter moves a lot when used on the pass rush … Uses his reach efficiently to control and keep separation from blockers when trying to close on the quarterback … When he breaks free from the line, he takes dead aim on the quarterback, resulting in his high amount of flushes and pressures.

Negatives: Has adequate muscle tone and a soft midsection and is a bit high-cut with long calves … Quick to penetrate, but is inconsistent in his redirection skills and will overrun the play and then struggle to recover … Has good quickness off the edge, but not enough to explode past defenders and needs to show more suddenness in his initial step … Just adequate in the classroom and, while he can recognize blocking schemes, at times, he needs more than several reps to retain plays … Will run into the blocker rather than try to slip and avoid, causing wear and tear on his body … Will be late off the ball at times, as he does not have a natural feel for snap cadence … Lacks the bulk to split double teams … Recognizes the trap and can stack, but his marginal size hurts him working in-line … Must flatten and squeeze better on down blocks … Better getting into the backfield when challenging a tight end than an offensive tackle, as he sometimes gets too wired to big-bodied blocks … Has good strength as a wrap-up tackler, but needs to roll his hips better to put more force behind those tackles … Better with his swim and counter moves, as he is still trying to perfect his club and rip moves on the bull rush.

Compares To: MATT ROTH-Miami … Johnston is a work in progress, but he brings instant value as an edge rusher. His first lesson is that he cannot overpower NFL offensive tackles on a consistent basis. This might have worked at his level of competition, but not in the NFL, where tackles are much bigger and stronger. Johnston is a good leverage player who can hold his ground on the edge, but because of size issues, he is inconsistent in attempts to split double teams. With his ability to play on his feet and the flexibility he shows coming off the corner, he will get to the quarterback often, if not asked to play every down.

[xbarretx]

Yes, the new Rich Scanlon hath arrived.

:Scanlon:

[aturnis]

Looks like he lacks that first step, and the natural instinct to jump the snap. If I were the Chiefs, I would be working on this guys hands, and get him a good bag of moves going. With some good coaching and his natural athleticism, he has every bit a chance that Allen did.

[Mr. Kotter]

... what his motor is like....



:shrug:

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/brian_johnston.htm

Johnston has fought almost constant double teams, which is why his 6 sacks don’t look that impressive, but he has proven to be very solid against the run, despite being double teamed, his 74 tackles, 20.5 being for a loss, prove that he can fight through multiple blockers and get to the ball carrier. Very good at using his hands, strong and quick, Johnston plays the game with a non-stop motor.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/players/draft/1278875

Positives: Has a frame that can carry additional bulk, good arm length and large hands to grab and drag down ballcarriers … Shows very good hand usage, keeping the active in his pass rush, executing good crossover action to get an edge on a slower offensive tackle … Shows good body control, hip flexibility and balance turning the corner to give chase in the backfield … Gets a decent hand jolt with his punch to slow down backs and tight ends … Plays with pain and does not shut down until the whistle … Has the ability to collide and generate good pop on contact when he plays at a good pad level … Plays better on the move, but has the adequate power base to hold his ground and can be disruptive with his hands when he keeps them inside the framework … Seems more comfortable when asked to stunt, rather than anchor and read … Has the lateral agility to work down the line … Has enough leverage to sit in the gap and hold his ground (inconsistent vs. double teams), as he has the hand placement to get a quick release when he does not get engulfed by larger blockers … If he keeps his pads down in can be tough to handle in one-on-one blocking (will get washed on down blocks) … Not really extra strong at the point of attack, but plays with good knee-bend and leverage … Fights pressure vs. reach blocks … Has the functional hip flip to make plays off the edge … When he shoots his hands quickly, he can shock a blocker … Has enough foot quickness to move and get through trash … Plays the game on his feet and, if he gets a free lane to the quarterback, he can seal the deal and collapse the pocket … Shows nimble foot moves to skate, string plays out and catch them from behind … Has good leverage working off the edge and is a classic hand fighter in attempts to clear the line on the pass rush … Has a quick swim move that generates a good push past the blockers … His quickness allows him to bend on the corner and he likes to use his spin and counter moves a lot when used on the pass rush … Uses his reach efficiently to control and keep separation from blockers when trying to close on the quarterback … When he breaks free from the line, he takes dead aim on the quarterback, resulting in his high amount of flushes and pressures.

[Spicy McHaggis]

It looks like he rocks back a bit before he takes off, he could have run an even faster 40.

[Sure-Oz]

Lets hope this kid is a diamond in the rough, if not it was just a 7th round pick

[Basileus777]

That explosive first step is much more important than a 40 time for a defensive lineman. I think people are putting too high of expectations on him, but to grab a guy with those measurables in the 7th is a steal.

[Braincase]

Get him into offseason aikido and judo classes.

[Blindside58]

Get him into offseason aikido and judo classes.

Better than that...Keep him out of the bars in the off season!

[Reerun_KC]

A fumbling slow ass midget.
That Martha Pimped like no tomorrow...ROFL

[TrickyNicky]

*yawn* Did he pass the Krumrie bitchslap test yet? No? Because that's the only measurable there is...

[kcchiefsus]

He looks a little squatty and short armed to be a good NFL caliber defensive end but it's sort of hard to tell from that clip. With few exceptions short armed squatty guys tend not to last long regardless of how fast they run or how much they bench.

How is a 6'5" football player squatty?

Brian Johnston- 31 3/4 inch arms
Jared Allen- 32 inch arms

I don't get this idea where you say Johnston is short armed or squatty.

[Tribal Warfare]

That explosive first step is much more important than a 40 time for a defensive lineman.



his ten yard (1.51) split tied McFadden's result in the combine

[B_Ambuehl]

How is a 6'5" football player squatty?

Brian Johnston- 31 3/4 inch arms
Jared Allen- 32 inch arms

I don't get this idea where you say Johnston is short armed or squatty.

The numbers themselves can be deceptive it's also how a guy moves. Since you probably haven't seen Matt Roth play, think of the difference in the body structures and play of Jared Allen compared to Patrick Kerney.

his ten yard (1.51) split tied McFadden's result in the combine

The difference is McFaddens 10 yard split was taken at the combine with electronic timing. Johnston's was taken from his pro day with handtiming. Handtiming is woefully inaccurate over such short distances. He could just as heasily have run a 1.71

[Tribal Warfare]

The numbers themselves can be deceptive it's also how a guy moves. Since you probably haven't seen Matt Roth play, think of the difference in the body structures and play of Jared Allen compared to Patrick Kerney.



The difference is McFaddens 10 yard split was taken at the combine with electronic timing. Johnston's was taken from his pro day with handtiming. Handtiming is woefully inaccurate over such short distances. He could just as heasily have run a 1.71



alright Jevon Kearse's 10 yard split was 2.42 how about that for a comparison

[B_Ambuehl]

Considering even the slowest offensive and defensive tackles run 10 yards in less than 2.0 I highly doubt Jevon Kearse ran a 2.42

[Tribal Warfare]

Considering even the slowest offensive and defensive tackles run 10 yards in less than 2.0 I highly doubt Jevon Kearse ran a 2.42



correction that was his 20 yard shuttle, while Johnston had a 4.18

[bowener]

The Hendricks Award and Buchanan Award finalist continued to wreak havoc in the opposition's backfield as a senior. He recorded 74 tackles (34 solo) with six sacks and ranked third nationally with 24 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also deflected three passes, caused a fumble and experienced every defender's dream - playing on offense and catching a 3-yard TD pass.


That made me laugh. Sounds just like Jared Allen this year for the Chiefs actually. I noticed that though he never had high sack numbers, 8 was his highest number, he led the division he played in... so for some reason they dont seem to have high sack totals... but what should stand out is the impressive amount of tackles behing th LOS. That shows he has a motor and speed and the ability to blow past the defender.

[Tribal Warfare]

That made me laugh. Sounds just like Jared Allen this year for the Chiefs actually. I noticed that though he never had high sack numbers, 8 was his highest number, he led the division he played in... so for some reason they dont seem to have high sack totals... but what should stand out is the impressive amount of tackles behing th LOS. That shows he has a motor and speed and the ability to blow past the defender.


Johnston had 2 sacks and caused a forced fumble at the Hula Bowl