Bob Sturm: Matt Johnson has potential to be a real find

[WoodysGirl]

May 9, 2012

The following is the 3rd in a series of draft profiles for the Dallas Cowboys selected players from April's draft. These profiles are put together after watching significant amounts of tape from each player, and is an attempt to examine their resumes and play to get an idea of how they might fit in best with Dallas come training camp.

Matt Johnson
Eastern Washington Strong Safety 6'1, 212
40 time: 4.53, Bench Press: 18
July 22, 1989 (22)

When you are looking at draft prospects on film, the most important thing you can possibly do is to trust your eyes and not regurgitate opinions that are being fed to you. Often times, during the spring and summer, we hear about draft prospects from two places: his former school (a coach is brought on to be interviewed) or his current employer which will say almost 100% sparkling things about a player and before long we realize that everyone that the team has drafted has a chance to be a great player.

While this is simply human instinct to always present an optimistic case to the public until proven otherwise, it is sometimes not the best idea to simply fall in line and recite the "company line" on every player that is ever signed. There is a large body of work that exists, and if you spend some time combing to find it, you can look at this evidence yourself and try to come to your own decisions.

Read more: http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/05/09/12/Matt-Johnson-has-potential-to-be-a-real-/landing_cowboys.html?blockID=726030&feedID=9348

[tomson75]

We're long past due to find one of these safeties that "slips through the cracks."

[Risen Star]

I'm excited about it. It would go well beyond just finding a safety. This would speak to the scouting department starting to do a real nice job of unearthing day 3 gems. Lissemore and Johnson would be impressive.

[Prossman]

I really love this kid. To be honest he could start before the years out. Maybe sooner when you sit down and look who his competiton is.

[kmp77]

Just hope he can stay healthy unlike Justin Beriault.

[Joshmvii]

Small school - check
Injured senior year so scouts forgot about him - check
Big time production and has the athleticism and skillset you want - check

Exactly the kind of guy who everybody forgets was a 4th round pick a few years into his career. There are no guarantees, but I love the pick.

[tomson75]

Just hope he can stay healthy unlike Justin Beriault.

Beriault had degenerative knee issues IRRC. He was a flyer that the Cowboys took a chance on despite the injury. Matt Johnson tore his bicep, and doesn't seem to have any significant reoccuring injuries. I doubt there is any reason for concern.

[Hostile]

Not so long ago I mentioned I could see him and Church as our starters at Safety down the road. Of course I got negative feedback as usual. By the end of Training Camp I predict there will be voices calling for Johnson to start this year.

[Seven]

Beriault had degenerative knee issues IRRC. He was a flyer that the Cowboys took a chance on despite the injury. Matt Johnson tore his bicep, and doesn't seem to have any significant reoccuring injuries. I doubt there is any reason for concern.

He did. Parcells had a like for the kid but knew he wouldn't make it out of camp.

I believe parcells cut him with the comment of I want you to be able to walk or something to that effect.

[ThreeandOut]

His ability to close on the ball is impressive. He seems to be playing at a different speed than the other players on the highlight tapes. It will be interesting to see how this translates against a much higher level of competition.

[TheDallasDon]

Not so long ago I mentioned I could see him and Church as our starters at Safety down the road. Of course I got negative feedback as usual. By the end of Training Camp I predict there will be voices calling for Johnson to start this year.

Not me I loved this draft the minute each pick was called.....welp except McSurdy(sp?) Was kinda so, so on him.

[TheCount]

We're long past due to find one of these safeties that "slips through the cracks."

Secondary and offensive line seems to be the two position we never seem to just luck into. It's been a tough stretch.

Not so long ago I mentioned I could see him and Church as our starters at Safety down the road. Of course I got negative feedback as usual. By the end of Training Camp I predict there will be voices calling for Johnson to start this year.

Church has been a fan favorite for some time, I wanted him to start last year but a lot of people have Roy Williams Syndrome and won't consider a safety that doesn't run 4.4's and weigh under 205 lbs.

[junk]

Johnson is one of the keys to the draft.

Claiborne should be solid. Crawford should be a solid rotational guy at first and potential long term starter. McSurdy should be an All Pro by year 2. So, if they can get a starting safety out of this draft, it should be a success.

[johnnyd]

Johnson is one of the keys to the draft.

Claiborne should be solid. Crawford should be a solid rotational guy at first and potential long term starter. McSurdy should be an All Pro by year 2. So, if they can get a starting safety out of this draft, it should be a success.

:confused: really? im rooting for him like all our draft picks but..

[Derekmtl85]

Johnson is one of the keys to the draft.

Claiborne should be solid. Crawford should be a solid rotational guy at first and potential long term starter. McSurdy should be an All Pro by year 2. So, if they can get a starting safety out of this draft, it should be a success.

I agree on most, not on McSurdy.

I see him more as the special teams player, a good one 1 day, but not an All-Pro.

[junk]

:confused: really? im rooting for him like all our draft picks but..

I agree on most, not on McSurdy.

I see him more as the special teams player, a good one 1 day, but not an All-Pro.


I probably should have put a smiley or something in there.

I'm a Montana fan so I'm rooting for him.

He might have a hard time making the roster and, if he does, probably a STer.

[jobberone]

Caleb will have to win that 4th ILB spot and I don't see how that happens unless there are a couple of injuries there. He may make the PS depending on his ST play. He is a small thumper. I hope he does well but I would not have drafted him.

Love the S pick.

[Risen Star]

Morris Claiborne, Tyrone Crawford, Kyle Wilber, Matt Johnson, James Hanna and Caleb McSurdy will be known as the other guys in the year we got Danny Coale.

[Wood]

my favorite draft pick.