Draft Pick: Derrick Johnson
#205 Overall - Derrick Johnson Cornerback - Washington
Height: 5-11 - Weight: 188
Overview
Johnson is a solid cover corner who started in 36 of the 47 games he played as a Husky. He set the Washington record in 2003 by recording an interception in four consecutive games and finished his career seventh on Washington's all-time record list with 11 interceptions.
Johnson was a standout tailback at Notre Dame High School. He amassed 1,990 yards and 39 touchdowns rushing, adding 586 yards receiving in 1999. Johnson was the DeAnaza League Most Valuable Player, All-CIF, all-county and small schools all-state selection as a senior. He was also a member of the Tacoma News-Tribune's "Western 100" and a PrepStar all-region pick at running back. He also competed for Notre Dame's track program.
Johnson was a member of The Sporting News' All-Freshman team in 2000, starting three games. He totaled 23 tackles (19 solos) with 25 kickoff returns for 607 yards (24.3 avg.) that season. Johnson was forced to sit out the 2001 campaign with a serious foot injury. He returned to action in 2002, starting every game to record a career-high 56 tackles (35 solos) with five interceptions and 10 pass deflections.
Johnson was a second-team All-Pac 10 Conference choice as a junior. He collected 41 tackles (27 solos) with six interceptions and seven pass deflections, while adding 72 yards on four kickoff returns (18.0 avg.). A groin pull vs. Stanford would sideline Johnson for the San Jose State game in 2004. In 10 contests, he recorded 51 tackles (33 solos) with a sack and four pass breakups. He closed out his career with 171 tackles (114 solos) with a seven-yard sack and 4½ stops for losses of 14 yards. He caused three fumbles, recovered two others and deflected 22 passes.
He intercepted 11 passes for 118 yards in returns. His 11 pass thefts rank sixth on the school's career-record list. Johnson also gained 679 yards on 29 kickoff returns (23.4 avg.) and 40 yards on 13 punt returns (3.1 avg.).
Analysis
Positives: Aggressive hitter who has a quick change of direction and quickly digests the plays Plants and drives sharply, mirroring the receiver's moves down the sidelines Shows fluid hip movement in transition and a sharp closing burst Smooth in his backpedal Has natural movements when turning on the ball, getting his head around properly while flipping his hips Shows good anticipation dropping off in the zone Generally gets a piece of the ball while consistently keeping his hands in the receiver's face Gets fine elevation going up for the ball Redirects with little wasted movements Uses his hands well to keep blockers off his feet Effective kickoff returner who makes decisive moves through the wedge and patiently waits for blocks to develop Has an explosive burst through the holes and incredible balance with fluid hip swerve to elude defenders on his return efforts.
Negatives: Gets sloppy at times as an open field tackler, lunging at the receiver Tends to drop his head before delivering the hit, causing him to lose the power needed to bring ball carriers down in run support Lacks ideal leaping ability, causing problems covering the larger receivers down the sidelines.
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