eball Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Just noticed he will only turn 23 this April. Obviously was a raw prospect last year, but surprised everyone by making the final roster as a 7th round pick. Do we think he has a chance to become a legitimate part of the DE rotation this season? McD's thoughts on that would certainly impact how the Bills are looking at the rest of FA and the draft. Gotta think the kid has been a workout warrior over the past 12 months, turning that kid's body into NFL-readiness. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryland-bills-fan Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 He seems to have good "measurables" and showed some skills. The lines usually require a few years of experience to develop a good player. Maybe an exception is a one-trick pony who just pass rushes. The Bills have brought in good veterans to rotate and start. This will give Johnson a chance to learn and develop. We probably will not see enough of him in real live play against starting quality opposition, except some in preseason. Don't know. We also have Vosean Joseph out of Florida, who is in a similar situation. Looks like a superior athlete but in college looked a little lost playing LB. 5th round pick, but might develop into something special. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 The kid has speed and bend and he started last season in the rotation. He averaged 20 snaps per game through the first 8 weeks of 2019 but then didn't manage higher than 5 snaps per game after that until week 17. He came out of it because he was so raw teams were killing him on misdirection plays. I think it is mental, he has some physical tools. If they teach him some of the mental side and really refine his fundamentals he has a shot to contribute. 10 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DFT Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Love me some Bam! The type of guy McD loves to develop. Still super raw, but the off-season should see him add some muscle and knowledge to help him take a step. Was through the roof excited when they took him. I hope he sticks!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SectionC3 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 20 minutes ago, GunnerBill said: The kid has speed and bend and he started last season in the rotation. He averaged 20 snaps per game through the first 8 weeks of 2019 but then didn't manage higher than 5 snaps per game after that until week 17. He came out of it because he was so raw teams were killing him on misdirection plays. I think it is mental, he has some physical tools. If they teach him some of the mental side and really refine his fundamentals he has a shot to contribute. I think the coaching staff likes this kid. Might be why they traded in a younger Shaq for an older Addison. I wonder if the idea is to let Johnson grow for another year or two while Addison is here and, over time, give Johnson a growing numbers of snaps. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 1 minute ago, SectionC3 said: I think the coaching staff likes this kid. Might be why they traded in a younger Shaq for an older Addison. I wonder if the idea is to let Johnson grow for another year or two while Addison is here and, over time, give Johnson a growing numbers of snaps. And Carolina. Obvs. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryland-bills-fan Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Yep. Draft superior players in the first , second and sometimes 3rd round,,, then go after guys who have the potential to also become superior players- rather than draft guys who will be adequate backups. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freddie's Dead Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Competition on D-line gonna be fierce. Step up or ship out. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulldog Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 He's about to turn 23 years old - it seems the coaching staff sees potential in the young man. Why would anyone want to give up on a young kid with his measurables, potential, apparent positive attitude, and being a seventh round pick he has a dirt cheap contract? Of course you find a way to keep someone like that around & try to further develop him. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Seems like the Bills have drafted a number of players with potential, Allen, Edmunds, Oliver to name a couple so wouldn't be shocked if they saw similar things here with Johnson too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Jokeman Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 2 hours ago, eball said: Just noticed he will only turn 23 this April. Obviously was a raw prospect last year, but surprised everyone by making the final roster as a 7th round pick. Do we think he has a chance to become a legitimate part of the DE rotation this season? McD's thoughts on that would certainly impact how the Bills are looking at the rest of FA and the draft. Gotta think the kid has been a workout warrior over the past 12 months, turning that kid's body into NFL-readiness. Thoughts? He'll likely make the final 53 but his playing time might be limited with the addition of Addison and Jefferson. That said I'd hope he can step up and play on STs and maybe be a depth DE that can get 3-5 sacks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Depth and special teams. I wouldn't count on him to have any type of impact as a starter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stinky finger Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 1 hour ago, SectionC3 said: I think the coaching staff likes this kid. Might be why they traded in a younger Shaq for an older Addison. I wonder if the idea is to let Johnson grow for another year or two while Addison is here and, over time, give Johnson a growing numbers of snaps. Interesting take. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magox Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 If you listened to the end-of-year presser from Beane and read in-between-the-lines you can see that Beane is very high on Johnson's prospects. The kid has great measurables and we saw some of that promise in the preseason. As long as he improves mentally which I believe he will then I think there is a better than decent shot of him becoming a regular rotational player who will make some game-impacting plays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eball Posted March 24, 2020 Author Share Posted March 24, 2020 25 minutes ago, Ed_Formerly_of_Roch said: Seems like the Bills have drafted a number of players with potential, Allen, Edmunds, Oliver to name a couple so wouldn't be shocked if they saw similar things here with Johnson too. LOL you just mentioned three 1st rounders...not quite the same as a raw 7th round prospect. But that was the point of the thread -- what do others think about Johnson's potential. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cripple Creek Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 2 hours ago, eball said: Just noticed he will only turn 23 this April. Obviously was a raw prospect last year, but surprised everyone by making the final roster as a 7th round pick. Do we think he has a chance to become a legitimate part of the DE rotation this season? McD's thoughts on that would certainly impact how the Bills are looking at the rest of FA and the draft. Gotta think the kid has been a workout warrior over the past 12 months, turning that kid's body into NFL-readiness. Thoughts? Intriguing for sure. Bolded for emphasis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEpsYtown Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Taking a raw guy who dominated at a lower level is an interesting strategy and it worked out for Beane with Mario Addison’s development. I think Johnson is the prototype end that McDermott is looking for. Long and athletic. I actually remember Johnson playing a lot of special teams, something that most 4-3 ends don’t do. I like what I saw from him and I really think the believe in him. That said, I do think they will look to the draft to add a guy. They added Jonathan Woodard on a futures deal. Similar type of prospect from Central Arkansas. 6-6, 271, bounced around the league a bit. He’s a interesting add as well. I think he’s more interesting than Mike Love. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flip Johnson Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 3 hours ago, GunnerBill said: The kid has speed and bend and he started last season in the rotation. He averaged 20 snaps per game through the first 8 weeks of 2019 but then didn't manage higher than 5 snaps per game after that until week 17. He came out of it because he was so raw teams were killing him on misdirection plays. I think it is mental, he has some physical tools. If they teach him some of the mental side and really refine his fundamentals he has a shot to contribute. He can legitimately get after the QB. I think he is going to give us something this year - if he becomes a legitimate edge threat in the 7th round that is a huge steal. As stated, he lost contain a few times and it became tough to play him. Should be able to grow out of that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The BLUES Brothers Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 When NFL guru Greg Cosell was making rounds of NFL camps - he raved about the size and the effort shown by Johnson at St. John Fisher. Hoping he continues to turn heads - especially the other teams quarterbacks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T master Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 If you look at pictures of the guy standing next to other Bills players he's freaking taller than most in those pictures i think if they can bulk him up given his rookie production i think he will be a good player for the Bills moving forward I've always pulled for him maybe because i like the underdog thing . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TigerJ Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 I think he makes the team, and, if there is a season, his snap count will increase. Beyond that, it will depend on what he can do with those increased snaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Quote I think they found a unpolished gem. The kid made plays both on the DE rotation and ST in his first year. He needs to get stronger and put on some more weight. I have high hopes for Johnson and I wonder if Addison brought in, Shaq allowed to go, and Murphy still here means that Johnson is in future plans. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColoradoBills Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 He no doubt is on the edge of making the team. If he doesn't he might end up as one of the 2 guys you could call up from the PS this year. It will be interesting how teams use those 2 positions and I expect some PS guys to get a decent sized contract to stay with teams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed_Formerly_of_Roch Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 3 hours ago, eball said: LOL you just mentioned three 1st rounders...not quite the same as a raw 7th round prospect. But that was the point of the thread -- what do others think about Johnson's potential. True but my point was that while they were 1st rounders, they were all ones that weren't maybe a NFL ready as others were, wasn't Edmunds like the 2nd youngest player ever drafted? But the Bills stil ldrafted them and they've all worked out well. Also my point in bringing them ups is seems Beane tends to do well with drafting 1st rounders with potential, why wouldn't we see the same with 7th rounders. So yes because of how they've drafted I'm bullish on guys like Johnson & Johnson, Sweeney, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbRiddicksTDLeap Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 He stood out several times by being able to push his blocker off the line and set the edge. He didn’t seem to show much as a pass rusher, but he seems to have some ability that could be developed. Im not willing to bet the farm on his success, but he seems to have a place in the rotation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TPS Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 6 hours ago, SectionC3 said: I think the coaching staff likes this kid. Might be why they traded in a younger Shaq for an older Addison. I wonder if the idea is to let Johnson grow for another year or two while Addison is here and, over time, give Johnson a growing numbers of snaps. I think I read they made Shaq an offer similar to Miami’s, but less guaranteed money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaw66 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 7 hours ago, maryland-bills-fan said: He seems to have good "measurables" and showed some skills. The lines usually require a few years of experience to develop a good player. Maybe an exception is a one-trick pony who just pass rushes. The Bills have brought in good veterans to rotate and start. This will give Johnson a chance to learn and develop. We probably will not see enough of him in real live play against starting quality opposition, except some in preseason. Don't know. We also have Vosean Joseph out of Florida, who is in a similar situation. Looks like a superior athlete but in college looked a little lost playing LB. 5th round pick, but might develop into something special. Interesting that you put these two, Johnson and Joseph, together. They each have superior athletic attributes, and they must have superior work ethics, or the Bills wouldn't have picked them or kept them. That tells me to expect a little more out of them than you project. Almost certainly, they both learned a lot last season, and assuming a normal training camp and preseason, I think they'll have a lot of opportunity to show they deserve to be on the field. I've said a few times that, because of the competitive environment that McDermott demands, I expect there will be some surprise young faces getting more playing time than we project right now. There's no way to predict who those young faces will be, but we can speculate. Joseph and Johnson are two of them. Ryan Bates is another. There may be one or two more on the roster, and there will be one or two or three added by the time they go to camp. Draftees, undrafted free agent, maybe someone off a practice squad. There's a reason Johnso, Joseph and Bates are on the roster, and the reason is that they have physical skills that are particularly attractive to McDermott. The question is whether they can be trained up to do the job at the position they play. One or two of those types, from the guys the Bills already have or will acquire in the next couple of months, are going to end up with more playing time than many of us would predict today. For example, i think it's possible all across the offensive line. It's possible at edge, and it's possible at linebacker. Possible in the defensive backfield, but less likely. Certainly possible at running back, for sure. Not likely any diamond-in-the-rough youngster is taking time from Diggs, Brown, and Beasley. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maryland-bills-fan Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Yes. Getting guys who have the physical tools AND work ethic to improve gives a chance of developing a high calibre player out of a low round draft pick. I like the approach. Much better than just looking for a plug-and-play backup who are already at their limit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whorlnut Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 (edited) 11 hours ago, GunnerBill said: And Carolina. Obvs. Just stop. There really isn’t anything wrong with it. Our new defensive line coach is coming from there and is an upgrade over last year. He coached Addison last year. It’s a good move. People look too deep into this Carolina connection. McD was a defensive coordinator on a super bowl team with most of those guys. Good problem to have if you ask me... Edited March 24, 2020 by whorlnut Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 (edited) 10 minutes ago, whorlnut said: Just stop. There really isn’t anything wrong with it. Our new defensive line coach is coming from there and is an upgrade over last year. He coached Addison last year. It’s a good move. People look too deep into this Carolina connection. McD was a defensive coordinator on a super bowl team with most of those guys. Good problem to have if you ask me... Chill out. It was meant as a joke. Edit: on a serious note though I am not a fan of the Addison signing. Edited March 24, 2020 by GunnerBill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DJB Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 I say hes a hold. Nothing wrong with him as our #4 DE. He can develop this year. I dont want to go DE in the draft I want to see if this kid has something Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 2 hours ago, GunnerBill said: Chill out. It was meant as a joke. Edit: on a serious note though I am not a fan of the Addison signing. Why? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FeelingOnYouboty Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 I’m betting he’s a revelation this year. Frazier showed him so much love during TC last year. A year of experience and a year in an NFL weight program I expect him to be a quasi starter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GunnerBill Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 5 hours ago, Doc said: Why? He will be 33 when the season starts and I have made my point about older pass rushers many times. It can literally go overnight. His pressures and his QB hits were actually down in 2019 but his sack totals remained pretty consistent meaning in fairness to him that while he was getting there less he was making the most of the times he did. But with Mario Williams, Cam Wake, Brian Orakpo it was there one day and gone the next. I think Addison has been a good NFL player. I just don't believe he will be productive at age 33 and we are paying him a lot of money to find out. My prediction is fewer sacks and QB hits for Addison in 2020 than Shaq managed in 2019 (and I am not arguing we should have retained Shaq for the money Miami gave him either). DE is the biggest concern I have about this team as currently constructed. Don't like what we have there - at all. Johnson is the potential caveat to that. If he develops to the point they can get him on the field he could be our most productive end. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrEpsYtown Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 The addition of Eric Washington to this coaching staff will help accelerate Johnson’s progress as well/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevewin Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 Found this from last years TC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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