Draft Focus/Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson
WR, Georgia Tech
6-4, 239
40-4.33 (with borrowed shoes)

Calvin Johnson is one of those guys that seems to have everything an NFL scout and team are looking for. Size, speed, and a guy that isn't going to get in the paper for the wrong reasons. In three years at Georgia Tech he racked up 28 TD's and 2927 yards (both school records). he made All-American two out of the three years and gained a Biletnikoff award and ACC player of the year in 2006. although in a losing effort, he capped off his career with nine grabs for 186 yards and a couple of TD's in the Toyota Gator Bowl. He amazed scouts at the combine with a 4.33 with borrowed shoes (he originally said he wouldn't be running), an 11 foot standing broad jump and a vertical leap of 43 inches.

Zero character issues. Describes himself as a cross of Randy Moss and Terrell Owens with Marvin Harrison's demeanor. A big guy and fast. Can leap tall buildings and has great hands. Great blocker and a team player. Can create great separation. Some scouts have said he is the best WR prospect they have ever seen. Highly touted as the best player in the 2007 draft.

Little on the downside with this guy and that is why his stock is soaring. Could be scary to see what happens with a consistent QB. Has had some dropped balls that he shouldn't have dropped but he is young and can be coached. Does not always play at top speed.

Johnson has been compared by many to Arizona WR, Larry Fitzgerald.

Some thoughts on Johnson...

"I think character isprobably one of the biggest contributors to that," Tech coach ChanGailey said. "There are a lot of talented guys, but the character that
he possesses moves him to the top of the list."

Said one regional scout from an AFC franchise:

"For a guy that size to
do the things that he does, and to make it all look so easy ... is
amazing."

“He needed a pair of gloves. That’s all he needed was a pair of gloves,” said Tom Shaw, an NFL performance trainer working with several players in preparation for the NFL Combine. “Nike sent him a box of three gloves and he was in heaven. “He’s going to shock some people, but then again Reggie Bush shocked some people and he fell to No. 2. The word is, everyone’s saying that Tampa Bay is going to take Calvin. Calvin Johnson is the best player, football player, person, athlete, dedicated ...He’s definitely in the top three.”

Who wants Calvin Johnson? Just about everyone. Needs of teams will play a role. He could go as high as #1 to the Raiders but as of now the Raiders are in desperate need of a QB. It is possible the Raiders could take Johnson and still address QB in the 2nd round with Drew Stanton. The is also alot of talk about the possibility of the Raiders making a move for David Carr which would open things up. If Johnson makes it past the Raiders, the Lions would not miss on the Wr selection this time if they pulled the trigger. Johnson should not fall past the Bucs at #4.

Fantasy Outlook: WR rarely make a fantasy impact in their rookie season. The team that lands Johnson in the draft will determine his fantasy draft spot. He will go higher than most rookie WR's usually do in re-draft leagues. In deeper Dynasty/Keeper leagues he could be the first rookie taken.

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