Josh Johnson, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect

Quarterback San Diego (1AA) Ht: 6' 3" Wt: 213 lbs. Speed: 4.55 Scouting report by Daryl Breault

Positives: Excellent athlete for the position.  Dominated at his level of competition and his 43-1 TD-INT ratio is eye popping (113-15 TD-INT for career).  1800+ rushing yards and 19 TDs.  Last year (2007) Johnson was ranked number one in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision), or better known as 1AA, with a pass efficiency rating of 198.3. He threw an amazing 43 touchdowns with only one interception and displayed excellent accuracy with a 68.4 completion percentage. Compare those stats to fellow small school quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw for  (only) 23 touchdowns and a 63.5 completion percentage.

Johnson has very good arm strength and a quick release.  He has experience playing behind center and he has a quick, smooth drop back.  He is not an option type, run-first, quarterback, he is a classic drop back passer, but when he does decide to take off, he is the most dangerous running quarterback in college football, at any level. When he takes off and runs he is not looking to get a first down, but to score a touchdown. He has fluid, compact throwing motion and displays great accuracy.  He is a vocal leader with a flair for the dramatic.  He finds secondary options and can quickly go through all his progressions when looking for an open receiver.

Negatives: He’s too thin but he can carry more weight, he needs to get in the weight room and put on some muscle.  Faced marginal competition and will take time to learn and understand the multitude of defenses in the NFL.  Johnson has difficulty knowing when to take a little off his fastball and throws to many passes with heat.  He needs to develop better touch. Obviously, he is an electric runner with 4.55 speed and shifty moves, but he will have to learn how to slide to survive in the NFL.

Bottom Line: Johnson appears to be a perfect fit as a West Coast passer, but has the athletic ability to adapt to any NFL offense. He displays far better accuracy and foot speed than fellow small school prospect and current Vikings starter Tarvaris Jackson.  He can make all of the throws and is as competent a QB as he is an athletic marvel.  He has that Vince Young feel for making plays with his arm and feet and has a much higher ceiling than Tarvaris Jackson, but probably won’t be drafted as high.

Robert Bryant, owner of NFL Draft Dog says, "I am real high on this kid, I went back and watched film of his fantastic career and the one thing that stood out was how well he was coached, he was coached by former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh, and it shows, for a small school prospect he has great fundamentals. He will need a couple years to develop in the NFL, and won't likely be a rookie starter, but he has tremendous potential for the future. He really impressed me at the 2008 East West Shrine Game where dominated the action against some of the top division 1 prospects in the nation."