Chris Johnson - HB - ECU [Archive] - The Orange Mane

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bpc

12-23-2007, 08:46 PM

Guy is frickin rediculously fast. Think Tatum Bell with vision and who can read his blocks, make guys miss, and can go 0-90 in about .5 seconds.

I said before he's a darkhorse pick for me right around the 2nd round. The guy has legit skills and is flying under the radar because of his versatility and where he is playing ball at.

1st quarter of the Hawaii bowl and the guy just took a 1st down shotgun draw 70yds for a TD, his 17th on the season.

Blessed with amazing hands, he's also a great receiver out of the backfield.

I don't think HB is a need but this is one of those rare cases where BPA may apply. He could have a CP like impact on our roster. The guy is spectacular.

skmoser

12-23-2007, 09:05 PM

he looks really good tonight.....think what he can do with a good Oline

bpc

12-23-2007, 09:09 PM

That's the best thing about him and our system... one cut and go... the guy jump cut's easily, as he did that on the TD run he took to the house. The defender got up on him in the hole, Johnson pressed in to him, side stepped and was gone.

BOOM, he just took another run about 45 yards.

With his speed he gets up on the safeties in a hurry, forcing them to take bad angles.

I don't know if he is more than a 10-15 carry back in the NFL, but he is a guy you can use on 3rd downs.

Boom, screen pass to Johnson, 15 yds for a TD.

bpc

12-23-2007, 09:13 PM

The guy is playing like another former #5 in college who wore purple...

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/2711/tomlinsonpo2.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a><br/>

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/1158/chrisjohnsonre7.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a><br/>

Bronco LB 59

12-23-2007, 10:00 PM

Johnson could also be an immediate shot in the arm in the return game. He was named Conference USA's Special Teams Player of the Year in 2007.

Elway777

12-23-2007, 11:40 PM

If the Broncos can get a 3 round pick then he would be someone to think about.The Broncos have too many another needs to draft running back in first 2 rounds. Maybe a foxworth trade for late second or early 3 to get him.

Requiem

12-24-2007, 01:25 AM

I've been pimping Johnson for a long, long time. . . just like his teammate Allison last year. :)

I didn't see the game tonight as I was out at the movies. . . how did Clady look!?

Elway777

12-24-2007, 04:37 AM

bpc

12-24-2007, 05:42 AM

I've been pimping Johnson for a long, long time. . . just like his teammate Allison last year. :)

I didn't see the game tonight as I was out at the movies. . . how did Clady look!?

I had a plethora of things I was doing but Johnson's play stood out. Clady is a good product, you know what you are going to get with him. He has the ability to be a standout pass blocker in the NFL. I think he could still get a little bit firmer though in pass pro. He needs to do some more bench presses.

bpc

12-24-2007, 05:56 AM

I think Westbrock is a good comparison to Johnson with his ability as a receiver. He also might dance a little too much but the Broncos have the best running back coach in the nfl and should teach Johnson to be a better north and south running. I also noctice he does have some power ,so he should be better then just a scatt back in nfl. He could also break the combine recond for the 40 which could cause him to go late first or earley second. I think Johnson would be a solid prospect for the Broncos in the 3 round if he last that long.

He has great hands, no doubt. Westbrook doesn't have the extra gear that Johnson does but I think Westbrook trails only LT in the vision department within the NFL. He is able to see blocks happening, several seconds before they happen. I won't put CJ in that category but I think he has very good vision coming from the collegiate level and he see's the seams quickly which will project nicely in our zone blocker scheme.

Johnson looks spectacular though. I think he has a gear higher than Tatum and that is saying a lot as Tatum could get going fast. CJ is a notch above that. He also has a better build than tatum did... more compact. He won't be a dominant inside runner, but as a slasher, he'll create some havok for people. He has great feet and the plays I watched, I don't think he danced around too much. He made a cut (usually making somebody miss) and then exploded like he was shot out of a canon.

He needs to get his shoulders down when he runs which happened one time tonight and he got blasted and fumbled which was returned for a TD. To his credit though, Skip Holtz his coach at ECU, said after the game it was his first fumble of the year so i'm not too concerned with it.

If I had to make a comparison, I would say he's a lot like our own Selvin Young... only with game breaking speed and slightly better hands.

Like I said before, CJ is probably a 10-15 carry guy so you would have to have a hammer (Travis Henry) to take some of the pressure off of him intermediately. In between those carries you could supplement him in the passing game on third downs and also in the return game. I think he would be a natural punt returner and be a very good one as he makes a player miss and then darts up field.

Here are the highlights from tonights game. He plays FAST.

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bpc

12-24-2007, 06:07 AM

As most of you know, I'm pro Cutler. I believe building him up gives us the best chance to have a 'Peyton Manning'esqe' run. We need to put great weapons around him... explosive weapons and speed which can be used with his rocket arm.

If we could find a way to come out of the first two our three rounds selecting a long term solution at LT, Chris Johnson and a guy like Donnie Avery at WR to stretch the field and work from the slot, I would be really excited about those prospects.

We could eventually have one of the more explosive offenses in the league with Cutler, Henry, Johnson, Walker, Marshall, Avery, Scheffler, and Graham. And to boot, an Oline that can pass and run block.

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bpc

12-24-2007, 06:10 AM

bpc

12-24-2007, 06:12 AM

kick returen against Southern Miss.

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bpc

12-24-2007, 06:53 AM

bpc

12-24-2007, 06:54 AM

Elway777

12-24-2007, 07:09 AM

Chis Johnson and Jamaal Charles both have sick Speed. I would not mind if the Broncos trade down with Dallas for the 23 and 31 picks and draft 23 Dan Conner 31. Chis Johnson or Jamaal Charles 2. Chis Williams 3a Foxworth Trade Avery or Burton. That would give Cutler a good tackle and speed at receiver and Running back plus a stud Linebacker. The Broncos use Free agent money on DT.

bpc

12-24-2007, 07:19 AM

I would almost prefer to go exclusively on the offensive side in the draft and then build our defense with vets through FA.

Requiem

12-24-2007, 01:02 PM

Scott Wright's scouting report on the dude. . .

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/rb/chrisjohnson.html

socalorado

12-24-2007, 01:11 PM

Scott Wright's scouting report on the dude. . .

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/rb/chrisjohnson.html

I like the guy, but this stuff just kills him for me.

Weaknesses:
Lacks the size and bulk that you look for...Not tough or physical...Looks to bounce everything outside and he doesn't offer much as an inside runner..Toughness and durability are issues...Sub par blocker...May be a 'tweener without a true position.
Notes:
Bounced around between running back and wide receiver throughout his college career and could project to either position in the pros...If he stays at running back he will probably have to make his mark as a 3rd down / situational guy and return specialist...Has not yet reached his full potential because he was never afforded the opportunity to concentrate on mastering a single position...A very poor-man's Reggie Bush who can definitely help a team if used correctly...Intriguing prospect.

rugbythug

12-24-2007, 01:13 PM

sounds like a good 4th or 5th rounder

socalorado

12-24-2007, 01:19 PM

Scott Wright's scouting report on the dude. . .

http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/rb/chrisjohnson.html
Darren McFadden
Position: Running Back
School: Arkansas
Status: Junior
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
40-Yard Dash: 4.40

Scouting Report: The only SEC player other than Herschel Walker to rush for 1,000 yards as a freshman, sophomore and junior, Darren McFadden is in pretty good company when it comes to making his mark on college football. Over the past couple seasons, he has emerged as the nation's best running back, displaying a rare combination of speed, vision, and balance. He's also a surprisingly physical blocker when he doesn't have the ball. He could, however, stand to improve his blocking technique a little.
He's also not much of a factor in Arkansas' passing attack, but with solid coaching I see no reason why he couldn't improve in that area.

One thing that will stand out for NFL scouts is his ability to get yards after contact. He also seems to enjoy punishing would-be tacklers. McFadden has a wicked stiff-arm. Because of his style of play, though, it might be to his benefit to add a few more pounds to his frame, because he will take a pounding in the NFL.
McFadden should be a top-10 selection in the 2008 NFL Draft.

So he needs to add 10 lbs huh? OK then he would be right at the same size, weight and have the same measurables as this guy.
Bo Jackson
Position: RB
Height: 6-1 Weight: 227 lbs.

SpringStein

12-24-2007, 01:29 PM

lex

12-24-2007, 01:33 PM

Darren McFadden
Position: Running Back
School: Arkansas
Status: Junior
Height: 6-2
Weight: 215
40-Yard Dash: 4.40

Scouting Report: The only SEC player other than Herschel Walker to rush for 1,000 yards as a freshman, sophomore and junior, Darren McFadden is in pretty good company when it comes to making his mark on college football. Over the past couple seasons, he has emerged as the nation's best running back, displaying a rare combination of speed, vision, and balance. He's also a surprisingly physical blocker when he doesn't have the ball. He could, however, stand to improve his blocking technique a little.
He's also not much of a factor in Arkansas' passing attack, but with solid coaching I see no reason why he couldn't improve in that area.

One thing that will stand out for NFL scouts is his ability to get yards after contact. He also seems to enjoy punishing would-be tacklers. McFadden has a wicked stiff-arm. Because of his style of play, though, it might be to his benefit to add a few more pounds to his frame, because he will take a pounding in the NFL.
McFadden should be a top-10 selection in the 2008 NFL Draft.

So he needs to add 10 lbs huh? OK then he would be right at the same size, weight and have the same measurables as this guy.
Bo Jackson
Position: RB
Height: 6-1 Weight: 227 lbs.

The only difference is that Bo Jackson was a full .1 faster. Anyway, McFaddens weight is probably ok. Look at what how much adding weight has helped guys like Curtis Enis.

SpringStein

12-24-2007, 01:35 PM

btw - I respect Wright and read his stuff, but he does lose credibility when he says crap like this on his latest mock

With longtime stalwart Al Wilson out of the picture due to injuries the Broncos were forced to revamp their linebacking corps this year and even though D.J. Williams and Ian Gold have been their usual productive selves Denver still needs an upgrade at the other spot.

socalorado

12-24-2007, 01:46 PM

The only difference is that Bo Jackson was a full .1 faster. Anyway, McFaddens weight is probably ok. Look at what how much adding weight has helped guys like Curtis Enis.

I agree. I am just rying to "cater" to the critics! :strong:

bpc

12-24-2007, 02:45 PM

I like the guy, but this stuff just kills him for me.

Weaknesses:
Lacks the size and bulk that you look for...Not tough or physical...Looks to bounce everything outside and he doesn't offer much as an inside runner..Toughness and durability are issues...Sub par blocker...May be a 'tweener without a true position.
Notes:
Bounced around between running back and wide receiver throughout his college career and could project to either position in the pros...If he stays at running back he will probably have to make his mark as a 3rd down / situational guy and return specialist...Has not yet reached his full potential because he was never afforded the opportunity to concentrate on mastering a single position...A very poor-man's Reggie Bush who can definitely help a team if used correctly...Intriguing prospect.

That is one organization's opinion. Do they know Denver's system? How a player will fit? I'm sure these same people were critiqueing Clinton Portis the same way when he came out in 2002.

I have their HB rankings or that season...

2002 RB's

1. T.J. Duckett, Michigan St.
2. DeShaun Foster, U.C.L.A.
3. William Green, Boston College
4. Clinton Portis, Miami (FL) - TJ Duckett? Is he even starting? Is Foster even playing anymore? What happened to William Green?
5. Adrian Peterson, Georgia Southern
6. Jonathan Wells, Ohio St.
7. Luke Staley, B.Y.U.
8. Ladell Betts, Iowa
9. Maurice Morris, Oregon
10. Lamar Gordon, North Dakota St.
11. Tellis Redmon, Minnesota
12. Travis Stephens, Tennessee
13. Chester Taylor, Toledo - They Luke Staley rated higher... ha ha.
14. Jesse Chatman, Eastern Washington
15. Josh Scobey, Kansas St.
16. Omar Easy, Penn St.
17. Leonard Henry, East Carolina
18. Brian Westbrook, Villanova - Seems like they dropped the ball on this pick... 19. Maurice Hicks, North Carolina A&T
20. Eric Crouch, Nebraska
21. Ennis Haywood, Iowa St.
22. Verron Hayes, Georgia
23. Damien Anderson, Northwestern
24. Dameon Hunter, Utah
25. Delvon Flowers, Arizona St.
26. Lew Thomas, Vanderbilt
27. Jarmar Julien, San Jose St.
28. Antwoine Womack, Virginia
29. Levron Williams, Indiana
30. Tony Fisher, Notre Dame
31. Eric McCoo, Penn St.
32. Dave Minnich, Washington St.
33. Ricky Williams, Texas Tech
34. Ken Simonton, Oregon St.
35. Woodrow Dantzler, Clemson
36. Larry Ned, San Diego St.
37. Brian Allen, Stanford
38. Jonathan Adams, Arkansas St.

Bottom line is you can project what players can and cant do. CJ can tote the rock.

Requiem

12-24-2007, 06:20 PM

btw - I respect Wright and read his stuff, but he does lose credibility when he says crap like this on his latest mock

Scott is rarely ever correct when talking about all 32 teams and the personnel on them. He can evaluate players, but when it comes down to looking around the NFL and getting his evaluations, they're pretty off. Scouting 300+ players a year probably hurts his ability to do well there, but believe me - I let him know that he was erroneous in what he said. Scott's a nice guy, been posting there for years and he's a class act. Always willing to give a tid bit of what he hears now and then.

phibacka31

12-25-2007, 10:42 AM

I watched the Hawaii Bowl, just because of what I had heard about the guy and you can color me impressed. I would LOVE for CJ to suit up in the orange and blue next season.

phibacka31

12-25-2007, 10:42 AM

I watched the Hawaii Bowl, just because of what I had heard about the guy and you can color me impressed. I would LOVE for CJ to suit up in the orange and blue next season. His returning skills alone make me smile

darnik44

12-26-2007, 09:07 AM

Chris Johnson = Willie Parker