Nico Johnson Scouting Report LB Alabama

This is our Nico Johnson scouting report. Nico Johnson is a LB for the Alabama Crimson Tide. This scouting report was written by Anthony Breland of Bama Hammer.com an Alabama blog. Check it out.

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Measurables

6’3” 245 Lbs   40 time: 4.50
Johnson is only a junior and is extremely versatile as a linebacker  prospect. He has played all the LB positions in Alabama’s 3-4 defenses
which will help tremendously at the next level. Solid player with good size and is a bit overshadowed by elite LB’s on Alabama’s team.
Described by coaches as a “sponge” and displays team first attitude and is eager to learn. Is rated as an inside backer by some and an
outside backer by others and could play both. His speed and lateral movement will likely land him at outside linebacker in the NFL. He
hasn’t announced intentions of entering the draft and would benefit from returning for senior year.

Stats

2010 stats: 33Tackles, 20Solo, 13Asst, 1Int
2011 stats: (through 11/22/2011)39Tackles, 21Solo, 18Asst, 1Sack, 1FF
PROS:

Versatility at LB, plays inside and outside. Physical player and has great instincts at the position. Reliable, eager to learn and
improve, very coachable. No off the field issues, sets a good example and is a team-first guy. Plays the run and pass well, good speed and
quickness and displays adequate cover skills. Solid Tackler, good pop and drives through to the ground, wraps up nicely.

CONS:

Lacks experience in a primary role on defense making it more difficult to diagnose plays quickly. Average in shedding blockers, could improve in this area, needs to improve pass rush skills.

Assessment:
Nico Johnson is a solid prospect as a junior but not an elite player yet. He hasn’t declared for the draft and would benefit greatly from returning his senior year. With Hightower a likely first round pick Johnson would take over for him in his current role in Bama’s defense.The added year of experience as a starter and the extra year with Coaches Smart and Saban would allow Johnson to refine his skills. He would be the senior leader of the defense and a more defined role would increase his stock significantly.

Prediction: late second to mid third round pick in 2012, I expect him back for his senior yr.

NFLmocks preseason Bio

The high school Parade All American and top ranked recruit has certainly not disappointed for the Tide, though he really is expected to break out in 2011 as a junior (seems to be a theme with this talented squad). As a freshman, Johnson had 28 tackles and a sack, and as a sophomore had 33 tackles and an interception. Made the All-SEC Freshman team, and the Tide will be looking for big contributions from him in 2011. The question becomes whether or not Johnson will play inside in the NFL in a 4-3, outside in a 3-4, inside in a 3-4, or outside in a 4-3. He seems like the ideal WILL linebacker in either scheme, and has the frame to add a little more weight to come off the edge. There may not be enough tackles to go around in this supremely talented group of players, but Johnson is one of the better ones.

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