So Ive been thinking about this Drake Johnson business, and if they kid can run a 13s 100m hurdle I'll look at him. Then you tell me hes tough enough to carry the ball 30 times a game and I want him.
Anyways, based on the recent "Thompson to Syracuse" headlines and the fact that AJ Williams has been playing OT for almost this entire season in HS, what are the chances that we turn Johnson into a H-back/TE role instead of a RB role and slide Williams inside?
Seems that Williams might outgrow the TE position, and if we are going to recruit a blocking only TE why not just recruit another OT and put him in for ManBall situations.
Seems to me that, with the agility concerns re: Johnson being a feature back, getting him into the flats and letting his speed do the work might be where they coaching staff is thinking.
Drake is listed at 6'1/2 and 215, xcould more than likely bulk up to 235 or so for the H/FB back role and create serious mismatches with cover schemes espeically with 4-3 teams running man (leaves either a DE or an OLB to cover him).
Alternatively, he could be an ideal 3rd down back, both being a larger blocker and a speedster in the flats.
This is an interesting scenario. As a TE/H-back Johnson would need to learn how to block (assuming he doesn't do it much now so probably doesn't do it very well) and would still be extremely undersized. His height would be a major concern (they would probably want someone at least pushing 6'3" and would prefer someone 6'4"-6'6"), and even his weight would be on the lower end of where they want (~245 lbs). He would be a mismatch if teams respected him as an H-back, but that's where it would be difficult. I don't think this is what the plan is, and assume that they want to give Johnson a try at TB with the option of moving him to WR, safety, OLB, etc. down the line. He could be closer to ideal size for FB, but with a FB already in the class that doesn't seem likely. Also, FBs are a breed of their own, it takes a certain mentality that you don't see with his film IMO (that's not a knock by the way, he just doesn't have the insane attitude associated with FB prospects).
I had originally thought there was a chance Williams moved inside, but I think the staff is sincere about wanting him at TE. I think that they truly want someone who can be an effective blocker but still have the ability to run some routes, and not just in goal line situations. I see him sticking at TE.
I say Johnson starts at RB and probably becomes Darnell Hood (depth where it is needed). Most likely, and one thing that is nice about someone like Johnson and his apparent passion to play Michigan football, is that he will be a solid ST player in all aspects (an that doesn't really mean he is a return man, but may be a gunner, protection, etc).
4/23/13 - Denard Robinson's NFL Future, Part II