The Perfect Storm

by Staggolee87 on Feb 25, 2008 3:24 PM CST

As I was watching the combine on The NFL network waiting for the running backs to come out, so I could see who would be the lightning in our soon to be perfect of a storm backfield, I realized how disappointing the draft class of receivers is in terms of standout first rounders who actually deserve the first round money.

At that point I had made up my mind that we must first take a running back (22) and then a corner back (28) of the first round. And who else to compliment Barber's wrecking ball style of play than the 5'11 200 lbs. back from E.C.U., Chris Johnson. After watching his blistering speed in the combine with a 4.24 40 yard dash I went online to watch some highlights and check out some stats ( I recommend going on YouTube and watching his games against Memphis and Boise State.). But if your more of stats guy, then you will like to know: Finished 1st in 40 yd. dash and finished top 5 in both vertical jump and broad jump. On top of that his senior year at E.C.U. he put up: 1,423 rushing yards on 236 carries averaging 6.0 yards per carry and , along with 37 receptions averaging over 14 yards a reception with 528 receiving yards and 6 TD's. If you watch highlights you will also see he has amazing break away speed, along with great balance and the ability to bounce off wimpy tackles. If that doesn't catch your eye, on top of all of this Marion and Chris look freakishly alike on the field, so if they had numbers that look alike (Ex: 28 & 29) and we decide to take the names off our jerseys, it could cause some what of a headache for a defense not knowing if we have Thunder or Lightning in. Oh and for the 28th pick Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

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Comments

Chris Johnson isn't worthy of a first

round pick, there are four backs slated for the first round, Stewart, my personal favorite, Mendenhall,Mcfadden and Jones.

Remember, chris johnson is a track guy, the forty is more about running track than football ability.

Trade up a few spots to get ahead of Houston and draft Jonathan Stewart, thee best all around Back in the draft.

by Deke on Feb 25, 2008 3:28 PM CST reply actions

Agree 100%

He can run fast. That's all you can say about the guy. He doesn't block, doesn't secure the football, spent half his time between RB and WR, and played for powerhouse East Carolina. I hope to heck the Cowboys don't pick him.

"On my signal...unleash Hell." Demarcus Maximus Decimus Ware

by APerfectStar on Feb 25, 2008 3:32 PM CST up reply actions

true, I think he's a solid 2nd

and would be a great running mate with MB3 if we can't land one of the 1st rd studs.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 25, 2008 3:51 PM CST up reply actions

Did they show the fumble....

His late fumble against Boise State almost cost his team a bowl victory.

Little known Chris Henry from Arizona put up big numbers at the combine last year. I think Henry weighed in around 215# and ran a sub 4.4 - 40 before getting taken second overall in the draft last year. Well, Henry had a tough time finding the field because he struggled picking up the blitz and he also put the football on the turf more than Jeff Fischer would have liked.

I'm not saying that Chris Johnson is a bust, but I do think taking him in the first round is about as smart as the year the St. Louis Rams took Trung Candidate in the first round.

Johnson probably moved himself from a 3-4th round pick to a mid-late 2nd round pick yesterday, but anyone taking him in the 1st round is basing their decision soley on his 40-time.

by Fargo Cowboys on Feb 25, 2008 3:46 PM CST reply actions

Great comparison, Fargo

Chris Johnson's style of running and overall body frame is indeed eerily similar to Trung Canidate's... back when TC played at the University of Arizona.

Although personally I feel that Canidate appeared to be more polished as a tailback going into the NFL.

Mike Mayock gave some interesting analysis on Johnson during the Senior Bowl practices. He broke down tape stating that Johnson needs to do a better job of patiently waiting for his blocks to develop before making his cuts... and that he's gonna need good coaching to help him mature into an all-around back.

Mayock suggested that he sees Johnson more as a 3rd down back during his rookie season.

www.xanga.com/five11nation

by kcbrett5 on Feb 25, 2008 4:02 PM CST up reply actions

DRC Should Be Our Pick At 22

If he's even there. If he blows up at the combine he might go even higher than 22. But, if here's there...we should take him at that spot then look at Felix Jones at the next pick, or a trade down.

by ZachR on Feb 25, 2008 4:05 PM CST reply actions

I agree that DCR

should be our pic at #22.
The running back depth in this draft is tremendous,we could conceivably wait until the 2nd round for a running back.

You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach

by TrueBlue24 on Feb 25, 2008 4:12 PM CST reply actions

Johnson has the smallest hands of all RB's

heck, the only player with smaller hands at the Senior Bowl was some little kicker...He also had the shortest arms among RB's.....alligator arms and small hands means many many fumbles at the NFL level...and in no way is he a 1st round consideration...imo

True Cowboys diehard since 1975.

by BoyzRback07 on Feb 25, 2008 7:00 PM CST reply actions

keep in mind just because a player has small

hands doesn't mean he can't catch the ball well. Its how soft they are, not their size.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 25, 2008 7:13 PM CST up reply actions

go find his career fumble totals....

then make comments like that ....

Scout's don't ask to "feel" his hands to see if they're soft....Then ask to measure them to determine logistical parameters and evaluate his penchant for fumbling.

which he did a great deal of in his college career.

I am not sold on him...If he turns out to be the next Reggie Bush...good for him...but no way in hell I invest a first round pick on him.

one name : Trung Canidate.....next..

True Cowboys diehard since 1975.

by BoyzRback07 on Feb 25, 2008 7:22 PM CST up reply actions

players don't fumble because of small hands

they fumble because they don't hold they ball securely enough through traffic, just ask Tiki Barber how properly holding the ball can effect fumbling.

In Romo we Trust

by Terry on Feb 25, 2008 7:29 PM CST up reply actions

not trying to start anything but

Scout's don't ask to "feel" his hands to see if they're soft..

I don't think terry meant"physically soft"
But soft hands as in catchability.
don't know if you understood that...
if you did...sorry,
but judging by your comment...it didn't sound like it

You'll never get in a traffic jam,while going the extra mile. -Roger staubach

by TrueBlue24 on Feb 25, 2008 8:52 PM CST up reply actions