| 19 February 2010
All week, we’ll be giving a scouting preview of a different running back who are coming out in the upcoming NFL Draft who may or may not fit the zone blocking system. Today, we're going on a little departure from where I was planning on heading. After yesterday's reaction to the Joe McKnight post, a few of you posted comments and emailed me suggesting we look at USC's other running back (well, the other draft eligible one), Stafon Johnson. Well, you're the boss, applesauce.
Who is he?
Stafon Johnson was highly touted coming out of high school, but during his college career he typically played second fiddle to another back; still, outside of Joe McKnight, there was probably no one on last year's USC team with more explosiveness, speed, or athleticism. He's very elusive and has good size -- 6'0", 210 lbs. He is expected to run the 40 yard dash in the low-to-mid 4.4s.
Johnson is probably best known for his weight lifting accident, wherein he nearly died and most people probably would have. He was giving interviews at the Senior Bowl and seems ready to move on up in this world. He is a combine invite and will certainly be one of the guys a lot of teams are watching. He's viewed as a potential 5th or 6th rounder by most, but I get the feeling he might not drop past the early 5th, especially if he shows well at the Combine.
How does he fit the scheme?
Well, I guess you could argue that he'll fit in pretty well since he already has fit in fine at USC. Jeremy Bates will be running a different offense than they did at USC last year, but that should only play to Johnson's strengths. A couple of scouting reports I've read on Johnson suggest he might be a better NFL back than he was in college, but a red flag must be raised if Carroll couldn't use his potential in college.
Johnson's got decent hands, but nothing too special. He is not stunningly durable, but other than the freak weight lifting accident, he didn't really have any serious injuries. Johnson isn't great in pass protection, but everything he lacks there can be taught -- it's not lack of strength or willingness, in other words.
Summary
Stafon Johnson could very well become a high level back from a low draft round, which makes him exciting. Still, there's a reason he is rated as low as he is. He was not a star in college, and there should certainly be some question as to whether Pete Carroll was as impressed with him as interviews might suggest. If he's there in the fifth, I'm not sure we go this route, but if he drops to the top of the sixth the value might be too high to pass on.
written by Recordblender, February 19, 2010
There is no doubt in my mind our running back situation will be improved when the draft is said and done. How about picking up both Blount & Johnson in the late rounds (4&6). That would give us Forsett (small elusive back), Johnson (all around back with some explosion), and Blount (Power back and a little extra). The combination of drafting Blount and Johnson, I believe would give us as much production as drafting Spiller. We would have a stable of backs like the Giants have had the last few years! Although, I wouldn't complain if we drafted Spiller.
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written by Hawksince77, February 19, 2010
I doubt Carroll drafts any of these guys because they attended USC (at least I assume he is more professional than that) but he will certainly have the inside edge on the scouting of these players.
The more I learn about the later pick RBs (the ones other than Spiller, Dwyer, Best and Mathews) the more I like Blount. I suspect he rises post-combine, perhaps even into the first round. He seems to be the beast of the draft and I wouldn't be surprised if he is gone by 40.
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written by HawksovermyMarriage, February 19, 2010
Just wonder what everyone else thinks?
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written by Billy Showbiz, February 19, 2010
As for Carroll not drafting USC guys, I think that he should if they deserve to be drafted. I think that coaching continuity could be a huge benefit for a rookie. Of course if he drafts USC guys that bust he'll get ripped apart by the fans but I hope and expect that he will not let outside pressure play a role in the decisions he makes.
I'm so excited for this draft!!!!
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written by elgranderojo, February 19, 2010
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written by USAFANARC, February 19, 2010
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written by recordblender, February 19, 2010
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written by recordblender, February 19, 2010
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written by recordblender, February 20, 2010
http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d816762ba&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true
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written by effrin herera, February 21, 2010
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written by Hawksmack, February 21, 2010
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written by cts, February 21, 2010
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written by cts, February 21, 2010
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written by TheRealist, February 21, 2010
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written by manolo blahnik, February 21, 2010
written by Doug H, February 21, 2010
booooooring!
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written by cts, February 21, 2010
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written by Doug H, February 22, 2010
Another scenario we don't dwell on too much is a trade down. Who would be willing to swap spots with us to give us a 3rd and such?
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written by cts, February 22, 2010
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written by watchse replicas, July 30, 2010
proposing that next this we discusse OT's. Keep up the good work Chris.
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I don't know about you guys but I feel like this could be a great draft for Carroll just because he is probably more familiar with many of these players than other staffs are, particularly the PAC-10 guys. We need a RB and there are 4 real options from the PAC-10 in Best, Gerhart, McKnight & Johnson. All except for Best are late round options and if any of them have a chance at success in the league I think Carroll will know as well as anyone.