Strengths: Is tall with good size potential. Is a fluid athlete for such a tall player and also possesses rare speed for his size. Reads keys quickly, has good initial quickness can make plays from sideline-to-sideline. Possesses good lateral mobility and can get through traffic quickly when pursuing to the outside. Takes good pursuit angles and generally does a good job of closing down cutback lanes. Wraps up upon contact and flashes adequate initial pop at the POA. Shows good closing speed when asked to blitz and has the long arms to tip passes when doesn't get to the quarterback in time. Can change directions quickly, possesses good top-end speed and has good man-to-man cover skills. Gets adequate depth and shows good range when asked to drop into zone coverage. Possesses good ball skills, has good instincts and flashes the ability to make the big play in coverage. Blocked a punt in 2004, blocked a kick in 2005 and has the potential to develop into an excellent special teams' player.
Weaknesses: Is tall and lanky. Must add bulk to frame. Doesn't play with great leverage or a wide base, lacks ideal lower body strength and gets rag-dolled at the POA too easily. Doesn't play with a mean steak, runs around blockers rather than stacking them up and takes too long to shed blocks when blocker is able to lock on. Is undersized, is vulnerable to wearing down when teams run at him and may never develop into an every-down player. Appears to play at different speeds, isn't always relentless in pursuit and may take some plays off.
Overall: Louisville red-shirted Johnson in 2001 and he appeared in 13 games in 2002. He started 11 of the 13 games he appeared in during the 2003 season and he started 12 games in 2004. Johnson played in 12 games in 2005 and he finished the season with 44 solo tackles, 72 total tackles and 8.5 tackles-for-loss. He also intercepted two passes, recorded two sacks, forced a fumble and blocked a kick. Johnson's lack of bulk is reason for concern and he will have problems stopping the run until he gets stronger at the point of attack. However, he has the frame to add weight and he has the combination of athletic ability, instincts and speed to develop into a playmaker as an OLB and as a cover guy on special teams. Johnson projects as a fourth or fifth round pick in 2006.
