Merriman vs Johnson Debate-Best Defender in Draft for Vikings
Derrick Johnson LB-Texas-
Strengths-Great athelte, and highly productive during college. Effective from sideline to sideline with blitz capablity. Good motor. Good vision on the field, and takes good steps. Great ability in the passing game due to his fluidity. Long Arms. Good speed can defend in zone and man to man versus the pass.
Weaknesses-Can miss tackles, and has trouble once engaged in blocks. Not a very physical tackler. Can be run at, lacks strength.
Overall analysis: While Johnson is a great specimen, I have serious concerns about his stregth and tackling ability. He is a rangy player when able to roam free, or blitz. But this doesn't really seperate guys in the NFL. Also his best position in the pros translates to a 4-3 WLB, this is not a very important position in a 4-3. I think his physical tools can make him a good player, I am not convinced he can be a big time difference maker from his position in the Vikings scheme. This is why I believe the best defensive player for the Vikings to take and the guy I would take after Braylon Edwards, or Mike Williams is Maryland's Shawne Merriman
Why?
Strengths: Dan Pompei calls him "A shark in Shoulder Pads...the Most explosive defender in the draft...when he hits people they go backwards." Merriman has a quick first step, and great stregth. He has adequate size for a Rush End at 274 LBS, to go with 4.65 speed. Great motor, would have unbelievable range at DE. Good insticts, and a good tackler. Explosive hitter with great leaping ablity. Tough Player. I see him in the mold of a Chris Doleman who was very similar to Merriman coming out.
Weaknesses: Could get better with hands, and needs to use power more to shed blocks. Was more of an hybird rusher, than a true 4-3 rusher at Maryland.
Overall: I think Merriman will be a star. He is still somewhat raw, but had 17 tackles for loss to go with 8.5 sacks this year, without much talent around him. Rumor has him that Bill Parcells thinks he could be a Lawrence Taylor type player. He has awesome pass-rush potential due to his stregth, and speed combination. He will reak havoc in the NFL in my opinion. This is why I consider him to be the best defensive player in this draft.
Strengths-Great athelte, and highly productive during college. Effective from sideline to sideline with blitz capablity. Good motor. Good vision on the field, and takes good steps. Great ability in the passing game due to his fluidity. Long Arms. Good speed can defend in zone and man to man versus the pass.
Weaknesses-Can miss tackles, and has trouble once engaged in blocks. Not a very physical tackler. Can be run at, lacks strength.
Overall analysis: While Johnson is a great specimen, I have serious concerns about his stregth and tackling ability. He is a rangy player when able to roam free, or blitz. But this doesn't really seperate guys in the NFL. Also his best position in the pros translates to a 4-3 WLB, this is not a very important position in a 4-3. I think his physical tools can make him a good player, I am not convinced he can be a big time difference maker from his position in the Vikings scheme. This is why I believe the best defensive player for the Vikings to take and the guy I would take after Braylon Edwards, or Mike Williams is Maryland's Shawne Merriman
Why?
Strengths: Dan Pompei calls him "A shark in Shoulder Pads...the Most explosive defender in the draft...when he hits people they go backwards." Merriman has a quick first step, and great stregth. He has adequate size for a Rush End at 274 LBS, to go with 4.65 speed. Great motor, would have unbelievable range at DE. Good insticts, and a good tackler. Explosive hitter with great leaping ablity. Tough Player. I see him in the mold of a Chris Doleman who was very similar to Merriman coming out.
Weaknesses: Could get better with hands, and needs to use power more to shed blocks. Was more of an hybird rusher, than a true 4-3 rusher at Maryland.
Overall: I think Merriman will be a star. He is still somewhat raw, but had 17 tackles for loss to go with 8.5 sacks this year, without much talent around him. Rumor has him that Bill Parcells thinks he could be a Lawrence Taylor type player. He has awesome pass-rush potential due to his stregth, and speed combination. He will reak havoc in the NFL in my opinion. This is why I consider him to be the best defensive player in this draft.
posted by Stew at 9:49 PM
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