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Position: DE
Class: 2009 Big Board
Year: Senior
Hometown: Selma, Alabama
Date of Birth: 2.7.87
Height: 6070
Weight: 259
Bench Press: n/a
Vertical Jump: n/a
40 T: 4.66
Projection: 1st/2nd Round
Ordering: 51
CFI: Player Anatomy: DE M. Johnson, Ga. Tech - 12.31.08
1.18.08 - Michael Johnson has opted not to play in the 2009 Senior Bowl despite receiving an invitation.
Scout's Take - 7.15.08
Pros: A pass rushing specialist with all the tools—size, speed, acceleration and agility—to be a special player at the next level. Johnson is a player with Julius Peppers’ and Mario Williams’ potential, and he hopes to join the former ACC studs as a top five pick in the NFL Draft. Johnson projects as a solid every-down lineman at the next level after a year or two of seasoning. His athleticism, particularly for a man of his length, is what sets him apart from other top prospects at his position. His long arms allow him to keep offensive linemen from getting into his body and overpowering him. Johnson can also be a difference-maker on special teams using his wingspan as a kick-blocking specialist.
Cons: It is fair to ask, if he has this much potential why haven’t we seen more production? Why hasn’t he solidified a starting role in any of his first three seasons? NFL teams and personnel will want Johnson to add some bulk and he has the frame to do so without losing his quickness. If he doesn’t, teams will question his durability, as he has had to deal with several nicks and minor injuries as a Yellow Jacket despite his limited playing time. He lacks the experience teams would prefer, particularly against the run--Johnson was basically a pass-rushing specialist as a junior playing behind then seniors Darrell Robertson and Adamm Oliver.
Overall: He is projected as a top five overall talent. Johnson made just one start last season and two in his career, but his talent is hard to ignore—he has the size, length and athleticism to be dominant edge pass rusher. Whenever he has gotten the opportunity to play, Johnson has flashed the potential of premiere pass rusher. He will be a disruptive force as he is not only able to rush the quarterback, but force turnovers (three forced fumbles as a junior). In '07, he had four sacks and two blocked kicks after recording five sacks as a sophomore. The former high school tight end and hoops star is work in progress, but will be well worth the wait.