Cowboys showing interest in DL Brian Johnston

[DaBoys4Life]

who ever said this kid didn't produce in college doesn't know what they are talking about he is a 2 time all american i think he was 2nd team all american his junior year and 1st team his senior year.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

http://www.nfldraftdog.com/2008_nfl_draft/brian_johnston.htm




Brian Johnston, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect

Defensive End
Gardner-Webb
6' 5" 280 lbs.
Speed: 4.78
SeniorOne of the top prospects for the 2008 NFL Draft that you have probably never heard of is Brian Johnston. Yes Gardner Webb’s defensive end Brian Johnston is from a small school, but he has big time NFL talent. You don’t think those small school players can compete in the NFL? Just ask the Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen, who was a fourth-round selection (126th overall) out of Division I-AA Idaho State from the 2004 NFL Draft. Johnston is also similar to Dallas Cowboys’ defensive end Jason Hatcher, who was selected in the 3rd round (92nd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft from small school Grambling. Johnston has similar size (6’ 5” 280 lbs) and production to both of those guys as well as similar NFL potential.
He (Johnston) was named a first-team Associated Press All-American after the 2007 season, this was the second year in a row Johnston has received that distinction. He has also been honored as one of the top small school NFL Draft prospects by well respected talent scout Josh Buchanan. He was also named as a first-team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and the Walter Camp Football Foundation and is the Gardner Webb Bulldogs’ first consensus All-America since Harold Wells did it in 2004.
This season (2007), the senior Johnston was named Big South Defensive Player of the Year two years in a row, he recorded an impressive 74 total tackles, 37 being solo, a school and conference-record 24 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback sacks and 22 quarterback hurries. He finished ranked No. 2 nationally in tackles for loss on the season, and established new Big South Conference career records for sacks (20.5) and tackles for loss. Johnston finished his career as the top tackling defensive lineman in school history with 268 total tackles.

With the advent of the 34 defense in the NFL, those jumbo defensive ends like Johnston have been much sought after. Johnston has fought almost constant double teams, which is why his 6 sacks don’t look that impressive, but he has proven to be very solid against the run, despite being double teamed, his 74 tackles, 20.5 being for a loss, prove that he can fight through multiple blockers and get to the ball carrier. Very good at using his hands, strong and quick, Johnston plays the game with a non-stop motor. He will have to increase his repertoire of pass rushing moves and continue to train to get stronger and quicker in the NFL, but he has the raw talent and skills to warrant a 4th or 5th round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

There is some more info

 

[cowboyjoe]

good post daboys, thanks

 

[Woods]

Very intriguing prospect, I'd have to admit.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Good job, Daboys...

Funny, I almost mentioned Hatcher as a comparison... Though Hatcher is a bit bigger. Maybe this guy has the frame to add 10 or 15 more pounds, though.

 

[TheCount]

Does he become an OLB in the mold of Greg Ellis in our defense? Which is to say, a great pass rusher with almost no ability in coverage?

 

[theogt]

Does he become an OLB in the mold of Greg Ellis in our defense? Which is to say, a great pass rusher with almost no ability in coverage?

I wouldn't say that. His 3-cone and shuttle are what's most impressive about him. That 3-cone is better than all but 5 corners in this draft. His shuttle is better than all but 7 corners in this draft. In other words, the guys has the agility of a corner, but the size of a 4-3 strong side defensive end. Very odd.

 

[DaBoys4Life]

I wouldn't say that. His 3-cone and shuttle are what's most impressive about him. That 3-cone is better than all but 5 corners in this draft. His shuttle is better than all but 7 corners in this draft. In other words, the guys has the agility of a corner, but the size of a 4-3 strong side defensive end. Very odd.

I have to agree with you on that his size with that speed doesn't make sense

 

[dmq]

One AFC team has said they hope he is still around when they select early in the fourth round of the NFL Draft.

Yeah, because every team tells you what round they want to draft a guy in.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=68159

03/11/08 - Gardner-Webb product Brian Johnston, a rising prospect for this April's NFL Draft, wowed scouts at his first workout Saturday. Working out at San Diego State for a handful of NFL scouts, Johnston showed exactly why he is one of the top defensive end prospects heading into April's annual draft. Measuring in at 6-foot-5, 274 pounds, Johnston ran his first 40-yard dash in 4.66 seconds. Johnston's 40-yard dash time would have been the fourth best at the NFL combine for defensive ends, and the best for any lineman weighing more than 260 pounds. Johnston's most impressive stat from the 40-yard dash came with a very strong 1.51-second time through the first 10 yards, an important time with regards to a players quickness. By comparison, Johnston's 10-yard split was the same as Arkansas' running back Darren McFadden turned in at the Combine earlier this year. Johnston pulled off an impressive 35-inch vertical leap as well on Saturday, which would have ranked second among defensive linemen at the NFL Scouting Combine - and best for a player of his size. The most impressive result overall, however, may have been Johnston's time in the 20-yard shuttle. He turned in a 4.18-second time, which is better than any lineman at the NFL's Scouting Combine. In fact, the 4.18-second time was faster than any running back at the event - with Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall the only back to match that time. - Shelby Star

Even allowing for a little Pro Day funny business, that's still pretty amazing.

 

[AmishCowboy]

Sounds like a nice, big OLB to me... don't think he has the bulk to play DE in the 3-4... in the 4-3, sure, but not in the 3-4... but his agility numbers suggest he ought to be able to play OLB...

He's around Hatcher's size, right?.