- February 26th, 2007, 6:36 pm
#63650
I am not one to be star-struck by 40 times or other NFL Combine stats much, but this is just crazy.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Recent history suggests putting up a big yellow caution light in front of a draft filled with big, tall wide receivers. Those West Coast offense-style receivers who became so popular have produced a number of cautionary tales.
From Mike Williams and Charles Rogers of the Lions to Reggie Williams and Matt Jones of the Jaguars to Rod Gardner of the Redskins, bigger hasn't necessarily been better when it comes to drafting wide receivers. But conventional wisdom could be meaningless when it comes to this year's receiving class.
If Randy Moss is called The Freak, Johnson should be called Super Freak. Surprise filled the media room at the Indianapolis scouting combine Friday when Johnson revealed that he recorded 239 pounds at his combine weigh-in, about 12 pounds more than anyone expected. Minds flashed to Mike Williams' failures with the Lions.
Then, Johnson said he would wait until his March 15 workout at Georgia Tech to let everyone see his speed. Toying with the minds of scouts and the laws of reality, Johnson changed his mind. He borrowed a pair of running shoes and ran the 40-yard dash in an incredible 4.35 seconds on Sunday. Because Johnson is 6-foot-5 and 239 pounds, cornerbacks around the NFL must have cringed when they heard that.
"This season I played at about 235 and I got up to 238," Johnson said. "It's not a problem."
Send those borrowed shoes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, because a legend was born Sunday in Indianapolis. Prompted by reporters' questions, Johnson wouldn't dismiss the notion that he is the best athlete in this draft.
"I definitely feel that way," he said. "I'm standing right in front of you. I mean, not many people have my size, speed and strength."
Also, Johnson comes to the NFL baggage free, which is helping his ascent of draft boards. His character checks out well. He says he's a physical combination of Moss and Terrell Owens with Marvin Harrison's work ethic. Moss and Owens are great talents who often cause coaches great headaches.
"Obviously, this year a lot has been made of Randy Moss and T.O., but my character on the field is more like Marvin Harrison," Johnson said. "I'm just trying to get the job done. I'm more like Marvin Harrison with the attitude."
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden might have initially felt he lost on Friday when a coin flip dropped the Bucs behind the Browns for the fourth spot in the draft. Johnson would complete a perfect series of offensive draft choices if he could join running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams and wide receiver Michael Clayton.
Gruden still has hope, though. The Raiders are set to keep Moss and receiver Jerry Porter, and as tough as it might be for owner Al Davis to pass on Johnson, they will likely go for quarterback JaMarcus Russell of LSU. After going one for three with big receivers (Williams, Rogers and Roy Williams) in recent drafts, the Lions certainly can't take Johnson, particularly after re-signing Mike Furrey (and they plan to go after Kevin Curtis of the Rams). The Browns appear to be leaning toward Oklahoma halfback Adrian Peterson, leaving Johnson as the steal of the draft to Tampa Bay at No. 4.
The legend of Johnson includes incredible leaping ability. Last summer, Johnson tried some vertical jumps. The highest mark was at 45 inches and Johnson outjumped it. "It was last summer, and I hit the top thing in my vertical," Johnson said. "I barely touched it, so I'm sure I can do more now."
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