Derrell Johnson NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report and More

Derrell Johnson, OLB, East Carolina (HT: 6’1 1/2”, WT: 260 lbs.)

Positives

• Well-built with proper bulk. 
• Plays with great balance and pad level. 
• Quick first step off the ball from multiple defensive stances. 
• Active and strong with his hands in all facets of his game. 
• Has a plan as a pass-rusher and doesn't waste steps coming off the ball. 
• Powerful beyond his means as a rusher due to leverage and ability to convert speed to power. 
• Uses his hands well to ward off blockers after he gets into a gap. 
• Has potential as a blitzer due to effectiveness splitting gaps and using explosiveness. 
• Gets off blocks well despite lack of length. 
• Maintains gap integrity by positioning himself well against blocks and finding the football early. 
• Plays with high effort level in pursuit. 
• Noted as a hard worker in the weight room and conditioning program at ECU. 
• Experience in multiple defensive fronts.

Negatives

• Severe lack of length, with arms right around 30”. 
• Very little experience in pass coverage. 
• Limited mover in terms of dropping from the line of scrimmage; must play downhill. 
• Stiff hips limit coverage potential and ceiling of his athleticism. 
• Easily negated if a pass-blocker gets his hands on the frame of Johnson. 
• Not enough variance to his pass-rush moves; limited by short arms. 
• Doesn't have great long speed to finish around the corner or close in the open field. 
• Doesn't break down in space as a tackler and will miss on occasion. 
• Lacks great range in pursuit to chase down ball-carriers. 
• Little power as a tackler to quickly get ball-carriers to the ground. 
• Not remarkably productive for a small-conference pass-rusher. 
• May not clearly have a best position as a professional.

Year	Team	Tackles	TFL	Sacks
2010	ECU	40	4.5	1
2011	ECU	39	5.5	3
2012	ECU	62	11	6.5
2013	ECU	79	13	7

Personal Notes

• 2012 second team All-Conference USA. 
• 2013 second team All-Conference USA. 
• Four-year starter for the Pirates; switched from end to outside linebacker when defensive scheme changed in 2011 season.
• East-West Shrine Game participant.

Ratings Chart

Graph made at nces.ed.gov.

Overall

Derrell Johnson turned in a solid senior season, headlined by fine showings against Virginia Tech and North Carolina.  He has shown some stellar traits through the process.  He’s a physical specimen in terms of build and raw power.  That plays into his functional strength as a defender who always has leverage on blockers.  He’s also active with his hands.

His ability to become a better player than he is now is the biggest question mark.  As a pass-rush specialist who lacks optimal height and length, he may only be able to go so far.  His unique height-weight build could mean trouble at a traditional linebacker position.  Defenses that employ a 3-4 scheme should be interested in Johnson’s services as a depth player.  Contributions on special teams will be very important for Johnson as an NFL player.

Draft Projection: Seventh Round