http://draftguys.com/index.php/articles/1/nfl_draft_eugene_monroe_vs_michael_johnson/ An excellent read. Truly. I love these guys' work.
Also one of the big reasons I actually like Michael Johnson, where everyone else seems to like to dump all over him. This is a guy that has proven himself against the BEST. He may not be an every down guy YET, but it was his first year starting and it may just take him some time before he is able to translate that special ability of his into intensity on every play. Sometimes it doesn't just come right away. And you could almost wish Georgia Tech just had the balls to start Johnson a lot earlier in his college career and say hey, you know what, he's young, inexperienced and he's going to make mistakes, he's going to check out mentally on some plays, but by starting and playing often he'll learn things he can only learn by starting and playing often, and hopefully what we'll get on the other side of all this is a truly dominant player. Keep in mind, before everyone starts saying Vernon Gholston this, or Vernon Gholston that, that one of the most attractive things about Johnson is the VARIETY of ways he has found to make plays on the ball. Whether it be the speed rush, a spin or stunt to the inside, going from the left side or the right side, covering Cedric Peerman (a 4.3 speedster) out of the backfield which takes away Verica's outlet and forces the defeat, or fighting through a double team to make a play on a back in the backfield...he found ways to make plays, not just one way.
heres a thought to. if we bring Jason back for a year or so, it would give Michael Johnson a good person to learn under and such. Showing him the best way to play at that length and size, etc.
Impressive how Johnson actually won the fourth qtr battles with Monroe. I like Johnson, to me he could play up or down depending on what we need.
Definately one of the more intriguing prospects out there. Ive seen him in various mocks as early as the Raiders pick, and falling into the late second round. Personally, this kid has way to much talent to fall out of the first. There are alot of haters but I think they are quick to dimiss and not willing to dig into why he had some issues as CK has done. Ive said it before, I think if we get this kid at 25 its a major steal.
Love to see a report vs Johnson vs FSU OL. Granted Tricketts guys are Freshmen, but his OL are solid technicians and very well conditioned.
i listened to an interview with eugene monroe and he said without a doubt that michael johnson was the best he's played against in his college career.
Favorite point of the article - a pass rusher only needs to have two or three great plays in a game to be a difference maker. How many times did Porter make two or three plays to change the game last year? That translates to the possibility of being a Pro-Bowl type player.
Folks, thanks for linking to my article on Johnson vs Monroe - I posted a new Clash last week over at Draftguys, and this week I plan on doing Phil Loadholt vs Brian Orakpo. Thanks for all the kind words about our work. Obviously, I'm a Michael Johnson backer. I think he's easily on the Peppers/Mario level physically, and both of those guys have battled inconsistent effort at different points in their career. Most importantly, Johnson knows how to use his immense physical advantage to defeat his opponent. He *should* be a top 15 pick, and I think he'll get in the first no matter what. The Fins would get a steal if he fell to #25.
sigmund welcome aboard i heard mike mayock talk about orakpo and how easily brandon pettigrew manhandled him that would be a good one to see. btw love your work.