PLAYER TO WATCH

Tim Crothers

August 30, 1999

Defensive tackle Ellis Johnson, who signed a five-year, $25 million extension in February with a year remaining on his contract, is the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL who has never gone to the Pro Bowl. Why would the Colts refuse to meet the demands of Marshall Faulk but voluntarily extend Johnson's contract? Because the fifth-year lineman is a budding star coming off a season in which he had career highs in tackles and sacks. Considered somewhat undersized at 6'2" and 292 pounds, Johnson makes up for it with nimble feet, quick hands, voracious film study and the brash attitude that offensive linemen are "obstacles rather than people." Johnson is still developing as a run stopper, but his fierce pass rush should only be accentuated this year by newly acquired rush end Chad Bratzke.