Bob Sturm's draft profile series: Why Cowboys will keep close eye on Penn State DT Austin Johnson th

[RS12]

Austin Johnson, DT, Penn State - 6'4, 325 - RS Junior - #99

It is important to place values on different players at different positions because lost in all of this talk every year about "Best Player Available", we lose sight of the simple idea that all positions are not created equal. If you want the best player available, you better have considered the ability to understand these differences in values from one spot to the next.

That means that at the top of the chart of value is a starting QB, along with a starting left tackle, a dominant pass rusher, and a shut down corner. There are numerous positions on the field that are not "full time" positions, where they are part of a rotation - Running backs, defensive line, and most linebackers. There are positions where the life span is considered much shorter and there are positions where the supply is high to fulfill the demand. Others, obviously, there is no supply for the demand. So yes, get the "best player available", but if all of those other variables are not properly assigned, you might regret not asking the right questions.

http://sportsday.***BANNED-URL***/d...ll-eye-penn-states-austin-johnson-week-mobile

 

[RS12]

This leads us to the place we will spend most of the week - looking at the defensive linemen who are at the Senior Bowl. Today, let's dive in on a player I have been told is definitely on the Cowboys' radar, Penn State's defensive tackle, Austin Johnson.

I consider this good news. That they want to upgrade this position with a non JAG really good news. This guy can play.

 

[Irvin88_4life]

I consider this good news. That they want to upgrade this position with a non JAG really good news. This guy can play.

What's his draft projection......do you know?

 

[RS12]

What's his draft projection......do you know?

top of the second

 

[MrPhil]

What's his draft projection......do you know?

The Great Blue North Draft Report's Big Board lists him at #36:

http://gbnreport.com/2016-big-board/

 

[JohnsKey19]

The good news is barring a huge run on DTs in the mid/late portion of the 1st round, the Cowboys will be in position to select a starting caliber DT with their 2nd pick. The talent available matches their need there fortunately. Hopefully the team takes advantage.

 

[BAT]

Prefer Rankins after the 2nd round instead of Austin Johnson. Johnson doesn't seem to play as big as his size suggests, he can be too finesse for my tastes, especially at 325. This is good news but hoping we are looking at more power options too.

 

[DBOY3141]

The good news is barring a huge run on DTs in the mid/late portion of the 1st round, the Cowboys will be in position to select a starting caliber DT with their 2nd pick. The talent available matches their need there fortunately. Hopefully the team takes advantage.

that is going to mess with the 2nd round TE strategy...

 

[RS12]

 

[slick325]

Very good to know he is at least on their radar.

 

[slick325]

And then you go and post this RS12...just when I gained hope that Dallas' front office may override their DC and stop undervaluing the 1tech.

 

[tm1119]

I still wouldn't hold my breath on a high 2nd round DT. It definitely looks like a good spot to get a talented guy, but the 3rd or 4th round will mostly still be an opportunity to upgrade the 1 tech.

From CBS

23Jarran ReedDT4Alabama Sr 6-3 313 1
31*Kenny ClarkDT5UCLA Jr 6-2 3101 2
37Sheldon RankinsDT6Louisville S r6-1 303 1-2
45*Austin JohnsonDT7Penn Stater Jr 6-3 325 2
48Vernon ButlerDT8Louisiana Tech Sr 6-3 309 2
68Adolphus WashingtonDT9Ohio State Sr 6-4 290 2-3
90*Chris JonesDT10Mississippi State Jr 6-5 308 3
107Sheldon DayDT11Notre Dame Sr 6-1 285 3-4
111*Maliek CollinsDT12Nebraska Jr 6-2 300 3-4
143Nile Lawrence-StampleDT13Florida Stater Sr 6-1 305 4-5
195*Willie HenryDT18Michiganr Jr 6-2 310 6

I have varying degrees of interest in those guys but I'd be happy if we got any 1 of them between the 2nd-comp 4th round. We're about 5 years past due drafting a 1.

 

[kiheikiwi]

That's my fear as well, that we will have talented DT's available to us in the 2nd or 3rd, but the team wont pull the trigger ....

 

[Zimmy Lives]

Prefer Rankins after the 2nd round instead of Austin Johnson. Johnson doesn't seem to play as big as his size suggests, he can be too finesse for my tastes, especially at 325. This is good news but hoping we are looking at more power options too.

I like Rankins as well but he seems more of a 3-T because of his motor and quickness. I like the idea, though...Booger McFarland-type player.

 

[Alexander]

I would be extremely pleased if he were our second round choice.

 

[JohnsKey19]

That's my fear as well, that we will have talented DT's available to us in the 2nd or 3rd, but the team wont pull the trigger ....

They need to stop with the foolishness. How can the organization watch any of these playoff games and aspire to compete at championship level with Nick Hayden as your starting DT????

It's not just his position, but his ineffectiveness also affects Crawford. So essentially the entire middle of the DL is seemingly always at a disadvantage. How about adding a legit talent there and turn those tables? Watch everything fall into place.

 

[ghst187]

I would be extremely pleased if he were our second round choice.

Me too, or billings

 

[Risen Star]

He doesn't believe he will?

Billings is a junior. He's not eligible to be there.

Keep feeding us that draft knowledge, bro.

 

[kiheikiwi]

He doesn't believe he will?

Billings is a junior. He's not eligible to be there.

Keep feeding us that draft knowledge, bro.

Ummm, did you read the Tweet ? He's asking about Crawford and Billings or Crawford and Rankin for the 1 and the 3 for Dallas ...Not the Senior bowl. Broadus doesn't think Billings will still be available when we take a DT.

 

[Risen Star]

Ummm, did you read the Tweet ? He's asking about Crawford and Billings or Crawford and Rankin for the 1 and the 3 for Dallas ...Not the Senior bowl. Broadus doesn't think Billings will still be available when we take a DT.

I just put you on ignore.