Back in April, I was clamoring for someone to draft former Iowa Stater cornerback, Leonard Johnson. No one did. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did sign him as an undrafted free agent. Ultimately, he got through training camp with a roster spot and has made some contributions to the team.
He isn't lighting it up (yet), but he has helped and he has even found himself a job as a starter. Through nine games, Johnson has three interceptions. That is more than what many starting defensive backs have. One of those was even returned 83 yards for a touchdown in the teams 34-24 win over the Chargers.
I'd say that I'm looking pretty good.
Showing posts with label Leonard Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leonard Johnson. Show all posts
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
You've Got to be Joshin' About Johnson
I cannot believe that Iowa State cornerback Leonard Johnson has not been picked in the NFL Draft. I know that he isn't the fastest, strongest, biggest, or most talented defensive back in the world. I am also aware that I am not an NFL scout or general manager. However, I am a bit of a football geek and even though Johnson is not the flashiest player, he was still able to hold his own against elite wide receivers.
Justin Blackmon out of Oklahoma State was the top wide receiver in the draft, going fifth overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. His worst game of the season came in OSU's lone regular season loss. Who did they lose to? Iowa State. Who shadowed him all game long? Leonard Johnson.
In Pro Football Weekly's 2012 Draft Guide Johnson was projected to be a second or third round pick. On NFL.com Johnson was given a grade of 72.2 out of 100. Let me put that into perspective. My favorite NFL team, the Chicago Bears, had picks in every round except for the fifth. In their six picks they only drafted two players with a higher grade than Johnson and those were their first two picks. They drafted corners in the sixth and seventh rounds; neither of them received grades above 47.0.
It has never been indicated that Johnson has any character issues or off the field concerns. He was a three and a half year starter and did not have any injury issues. He has no 'red flags.' Why have all 32 teams looked past him?
Justin Blackmon out of Oklahoma State was the top wide receiver in the draft, going fifth overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars. His worst game of the season came in OSU's lone regular season loss. Who did they lose to? Iowa State. Who shadowed him all game long? Leonard Johnson.
In Pro Football Weekly's 2012 Draft Guide Johnson was projected to be a second or third round pick. On NFL.com Johnson was given a grade of 72.2 out of 100. Let me put that into perspective. My favorite NFL team, the Chicago Bears, had picks in every round except for the fifth. In their six picks they only drafted two players with a higher grade than Johnson and those were their first two picks. They drafted corners in the sixth and seventh rounds; neither of them received grades above 47.0.
It has never been indicated that Johnson has any character issues or off the field concerns. He was a three and a half year starter and did not have any injury issues. He has no 'red flags.' Why have all 32 teams looked past him?
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