The "New" Farrior

by BlackandGold on Jan 26, 2010 5:09 PM EST

Now, I'm pretty sure we all know the story of how James Farrior was originally an OLB for the NYJ, a 1st round pick, but didn't exactly work out in their system. He hit the free agent market, and the Steelers welcomed him with open arms. I think there's another LB out there right now that, although he'll be a RFA under the lack of a CBA, might just be the next James Farrior: an outside linebacker who would make an eventual great ILB, and could come at a great price.

Enter Derrick Johnson.

First off, he was drafted 15th overall in the 2005 draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. That's gotta tell you he's got a great amount of potential, as most people who get drafted in the top 16 usually do.

However, in his years in KC, the coaches have fallen out of favor with him. He hasn't had much of a starting role, and instead was relegated to nickel LB duties this season.

Although he pretty much fails as a premier, pass-rusing OLB, he's nevertheless managed to pick off six passes over the last 3 years. Also, you probaby heard his name mentioned in the 44-24 drubbing by the Chiefs over the Broncos. In fact, you probably heard his name twice. Because that's how many times he intercepted Kyle Orton. And how many times he took those interceptions in for touchdowns.

Yes, there have been rumors spreading around about other teams trying to snag Johnson, so the Steelers may have a tough time getting him. However, if they do, he'd be an amazing value pick, as he's only been in the league for 5 years, and played only sparingly this past season. With the lack of star ILBs in this year's draft (I'm not exactly sold on Brandon Spikes; he's a liability in coverage, and that eye-gouging incident is still fresh in my mind. Doubt the FO wants to be associated with that kind of a player), we should look instead to try and get a LB in free agency.

Keyaron Fox is also from KC, so he'll probably be quite vocal in trying to bring Derrick Johnson to the Black and Gold organization. I wouldn't mind giving up a 2nd or 3rd round pick for him, as we'd probably have used it to get a LB that probably wouldn't be as good as DJ.

Your thoughts?

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Only if he becomes a UFA

if Johnson is a RFA, then the minmum tender that KC would have to give him is $1.01M or 110% of the previous years salary. This number would be 110%, or just under $2.5M. In doing so, if a team were to want to sign him, they would have to give up a draft pick equal to the round he was drafted in. I don’t think he’s worth our first round pick. I really like the guy, and if they can reach a new CBA and we sign him, i’ll be the first one to get a DJ black and gold jersey. Another option would be soon to be released vernon gholston from the jets. he won’t require us giving up a pick because he’ll probably be released.

by GMSteel on Jan 26, 2010 5:40 PM EST reply actions

Either would be a nice add

though I feel Johnson would fit much better here….Gholston made a ton of plays in college, just doesn’t seem to have picked the speed of the league up as quickly….I would love to have either

Great posts guys (both of you).

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Jan 26, 2010 7:38 PM EST up reply actions

No on Gholston

He is not a 3-4 LB. I liked the kid in college, but never wanted him to be a Steeler. He has great talent, but there are too many holes in his game. At college he was lazy, he loved to rusher the passer, but would always take running plays off. The Jests drafting him that high was as bad as Mia drafting Ginn.

I do hope Gholston gets picked up by a 4-3 team, and maybe he can rebuild his career as he grows up.

by SteelBuckeye on Jan 26, 2010 7:56 PM EST up reply actions

Hey, if anybody knows about Gholston

it’s a Buckeye fan….thanks for the info, SteelBuckeye

BTW, I may be the only Michigan fan who doesn’t hate OSU (the $EC is forcefed to us down here, that’s where my dislike is). I can’t say enough about Tressel, he is the man.

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Jan 26, 2010 8:13 PM EST up reply actions

im a buckeye fan

and im on hiatus from hating UM at the moment too. these days us big 10 guys gotta stay together

by hasay on Jan 26, 2010 10:12 PM EST up reply actions

isn't that precious

on saturdays you can both kiss my Blue and White behind.

On sundays we’re cool though

"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."

by showtime on Jan 27, 2010 6:43 AM EST up reply actions

love the avatar

and PSU is a damn good program

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Jan 27, 2010 5:09 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry Hasay

you are on probation. You can respect that team up north, but NEVER can you not hate them. :)

by SteelBuckeye on Jan 28, 2010 9:38 PM EST up reply actions

I'm a Michigan fan from Michigan. (originally)

Moved to Ohio and then to PA. I can tell you I respect OSU as a football school and get as intense in the rivalry as the next fan, but I don’t hate OSU. I hate MSU. Those hillbilly losers tick me off.

I lived in East Liverpool (30 minutes from Youngstown) while Tressel was at YSU, and when he was mentioned as a candidate for the OSU job I was scared. I would have rather had anyone get that job but Tressel. I knew guys who went to play at YSU over Big 10 schools because they wanted to play for Tressel, quite a few of them. I knew he’d do exactly what he has done, locked up the State of Ohio and taken all the recruits he wants.

by Phantaskippy on Jan 27, 2010 9:03 AM EST up reply actions

Hit post accidentally.

Meant to add my only hope now is an NFL team somehow convinces him to leave OSU.

by Phantaskippy on Jan 27, 2010 9:04 AM EST up reply actions

I hate MSU, too.

I rarely hate teams, and when I do, it’s almost always because of the fanbase. That is exactly why I hate the Spartans.

And the Tennessee Volunteers (worst fans in sports – and least knowledgable), Dallas Cowgirls, NY Yankees, Cleveland Clowns and Cincinnati Bungles.

by SteelerStuckintheSouth on Jan 27, 2010 5:14 PM EST up reply actions

you can add

the Colts as well.

by indianasteelers on Jan 28, 2010 4:45 PM EST up reply actions

I had a coworker who’s kid made UofM’s football team, when he was heading up to the MUS game in Lansing I told him not to leave his wife and kids alone at all, and to go in a group of parents.

He didn’t listen, dropped his Wife and 12 yr old daughter off by the stadium and parked. By the time he caught up to his family his 12 yr old daughter had been spit on and called the N word. They had also had beer bottles thrown at them.

I warned him though, those fans are famous for that kind of crap.

by Phantaskippy on Jan 28, 2010 7:40 PM EST up reply actions

That

is a truly sickening story. Sometimes I despair…

"You learn more in failure than you do in success." - Mike Tomlin

by Rebecca Rollett on Jan 28, 2010 10:01 PM EST up reply actions

Hey there Stuckin the south

Wow it has to be hard to be a big ten fan in SEC country. College and NFL are are really different. I hated Woodley when he played for that team up north, but was trilled when the Steelers drafted him.

I am wondering if the better weather and the great food haven’t soften your hated? :)

by SteelBuckeye on Jan 28, 2010 9:53 PM EST up reply actions