C. Barwin vs M. Johnson
 

If we could trade down and get a pick in the 2nd round, would you rather have M. Johnson or C. Barwin as a OLB in the 3-4? Videos of both are below. I know both would have trouble playing DE in the 4-3 bc of their difficulty in taking on blockers in the run game, but they both seem to be able to rush the passer and they both seem to have the athletic ability to drop in coverage. I have always heard that Johnson disappears in games, but I haven't seen it in the games that I have watched him play. Johnson beats Monroe (LT from VA) for a sack and a forced fumble at about 7:42 in the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzKWDGf5-Hc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u79CJdrxZbo

I'd probably go with Johnson, but I think either pick is risky.

Michael Johnson is probably even more risky than Barwin, he was given alot of opportunity and didn't really produce.

Atleast in his 1 year Barwin did.

I'd go with Barwin. Freak athlete who has the desire. The problem with Johnson is that he never performed up to his ability. The problem, if you can even call it a problem, with Barwin is that he was so athletic he was moved around from position to position. That shows dedication and willingness to work hard - both things Johnson may very well lack.

Barwin seems like a natural 3-4 rushbacker to me.

Barwin right now is just an athlete...his first year in the league he may not do anything other than play special teams unless he's an extremely fast learner.

For me, it's Barwin. The guy(appears to) has a motor that doesn't stop. Much like Jared Allen did, and I am not making comparisons. In those highlights, Barwin is in constant pursuit and showed good instincts dropping into coverage on a couple plays.

both of these guys had more than 10 sacks last year. why are they viewed as so risky? many of Johnsons are against good competition. obviously the one against monroe is a good example.

Barwin played his position for 1 year...

Michael Johnson for all his talent was a 1 year starter that never played the way his numbers indicate he should. Johnson is considered an athletic underachiever that purposely avoided the senior bowl because he knew he would workout better than he'd play.

what about ayers from TN? couldn't you say the same for him??? he's really just a one year starter too. I know he plays the run better, but he doesn't seem to have near the athletic upside that either of these guys have, especially if you are looking for a 3-4 OLB to rush the QB. and we are not talking about a round one pick either. I think either of these guys would be the best pass rusher on the chiefs immediately, obviously not the best football player, but probably the best pass rusher.

they both have measurables like Jevon Kearse, except that Johnson is 20#s heavier.

I don't like Robert Ayers so that probably isn't a proper question to ask me..

They're all boom or bust type of prospects, Barwin and Johnsons booms are obviously alot higher than Ayers where Ayers bust isn't as low.

Robert Ayers worst case scenario is a good run defender that plays in a rotation. But I don't see him ever being more than an 8 or 9 sack guy. The other guys have alot higher sack potentials but their bust is either not in the league or in Barwins case just playing special teams.

Michael Johnson is Quinton Moses with a less productive college career.

Barwin and it's not even close.

Johnson is a complete turd of a football player.

I like both of them. I think if the both reached full potential you would get more bang for your buck defensively with Johnson, granted I think that means he has to gain a few more pounds.

Without a doubt they are both athletically gifted humans. MJ would be damn impressive coming off the edge as an OLB with his speed and size, but Barwins versatility is pretty rare. Honestly, since we arent expecting to win it all or anything like that, either would be great as long as we did everything necessary to bring them to their full potential... is there some kind of trade down scenario where we can get both of these guys?? Somebody make one up so I can feel better.