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CJ Johnson, ILB, Ole Miss: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jeff Olson

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker C.J. Johnson (10) sacks Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during the second half in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels linebacker C.J. Johnson (10) sacks Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during the second half in the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ole Miss has a lot of great players entering this year’s NFL draft.  Guys like Robert Nkemdiche, Laquon Treadwell, and Laremy Tunsil are all expected to be high to mid first round picks.  However, they aren’t the only Rebel who could be selected come draft day.  Teammate CJ Johnson has also entered the NFL draft and is hoping to take his game to the next level.  Obviously he won’t go as high as the other guys I mentioned, but this inside linebacker does have a chance to make a roster.

Height: 6’2

Weight: 225 lbs

Projected NFL position: 3-4 inside linebacker

Strengths

Johnson is the kind of guy who can make big splash plays in the backfield.  He is very good when attacking the line of scrimmage, routinely shooting through a seem to hit running backs for loss or put pressure on the quarterback.  He’s always attacking with an aggressive style of play and looking to make something happen.

Johnson also shows good speed.  He is a great closer, which allows him to make the big play in the backfield, and has the quickness to prevent running backs from getting to the edge.  He looks like a missile when attacking the play in front of him.

With such a combination of speed and playmaking aggression, I believe that Johnson will be a great addition to a special teams unit.  The way he flies up field and makes big plays makes him a perfect fit to be a gunner in the NFL.  He has a chance to be a star in kick coverage for whoever drafts him.

Weaknesses

While Johnson’s aggressive attitude helps him make the big plays, it is often used against him.  He’s very vulnerable to play action fakes, taking himself out of position to attack a running back who doesn’t actually have the ball.  This leads me to question his ball location skills and overall football IQ.

When defending the run, Johnson is too often buried by blockers.  He is very willing to take on offensive lineman, but due to his small size Johnson is usually blown back and taken completely out of the play.  He needs to get stronger at the point of attack to be a real run defender in the NFL.

Johnson is a liability in pass coverage.  While he shows the quickness to physically cover opponents, he often looks lost and seems like he is just standing around rather than defending a zone.  Even at Ole Miss he was taken off the field on obvious passing downs and against three and four wide receiver looks.

Overview

Johnson has a role in the NFL, but it’s a very specific role.  He has to be used as a blitzing linebacker on early downs and short yardage situations, where the other team is less likely to be passing.  He will most likely never be a starter, but could provide some depth as an inside linebacker.  Where Johnson’s real value could lie is on special teams.  No responsibility in coverage, no tricks, and no big blockers in his face.  Just simply running fast and making big plays on the ball carrier, which is exactly what CJ Johnson does best.

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