Michael Johnson SELECTED BY: Bengals Round 3 (6)

SI Grade 3.92 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: All-Conference and All-American selection as a senior after finishing the year with 46/17.5/9, also intercepting one pass and breaking up seven more. Started one game as a junior and finished with totals of 21/6/4. Started all 12 games he played in as a sophomore, posting 34/6/5.

POSITIVES: Athletic pass rusher with a large degree of upside potential. Breaks down well playing with excellent knee bend, explosive off the edge, and displays speed in every direction. Quick changing direction, shows ability in back side pursuit, and chases the action to the flanks, running down ball carriers. Fights with his hands, redirects off blocks, and gets to the action. Can drop off the line and make plays in space. Rarely off his feet, and plays with terrific balance.

NEGATIVES: Disappears for stretches, and takes plays off if the action is not in his immediate vicinity. Slow locating the ball, and shows average instincts. Controlled at the point by a single blocker.

ANALYSIS: Johnson has the size, speed, and skill to be a disruptive defender when he applies himself. He does not play with a sense of urgency, and seemingly gives up on the action, which has led to disappointing productivity on the field. Johnson was graded as one of the top seniors coming into the 2008 season, yet he comes off a year in which more was expected. He's gone from potential top-ten pick into the middle third of round one, and he comes with no guarantees.

PROJECTION: Second Round