#81 Calvin Johnson- Detroit Lions

6′5″, 235lbs
Year: 2nd
School: Georgia Tech

Career Transactions:
Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round (2nd overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft.

Career Statistics:
REC: 48 | YARDS: 756 | TD: 4 | AVG: 15.8 |

General Traits:
Johnson possesses one of the most elite combinations of size and speed of any receiver currently in the league today. Arguably the top talent in the 2007 draft class, Johnson was hampered by a lower back injury as a rookie, a problem that slowed him considerably as the year progressed. Along with having virtually all of the physical tools you look for in a franchise wideout, Johnson can only stand to benefit from playing in Detroit’s pass-happy scheme for the next five seasons. Look for the talented youngster to yet again remain a match-up nightmare for defensive coordinators across the league, as he begins to blossom into a star right before our very eyes.

Position Traits:
Agility: Johnson is extremely nimble for his size, but he’s also long strider with only above average agility. While his end-to-end speed is off the charts, he prefers to run past defenders instead of beating them with lateral quickness.

Blocking: A willing blocker who has shown the ability to spring a big block in the past. Could stand to be more aggressive however, as his presence will be increasingly needed in Detroit’s newly implemented zone blocking scheme.

Body Control: Arguably the strongest aspect of Johnson’s skill-set, as he almost always attacks the ball at its highest point. Johnson owns a 43 inch vertical leap, which affords him the ability to spring off either foot to make a play on the ball. Contorts his body very well and is extremely flexible while he’s in the air.

Concentration/Hands: Johnson has extremely large hands and is a sure handed target in crucial situations. Hardly ever allows the ball to hit his body and routinely hauls passes in with his lengthy reach from all angles. Has a knack for winding up with receptions in heavy crowds of defenders, as his unreal ability to track the ball from anywhere on the field puts him in an elite class.

Field Vision: Understands how to sneak between defenders to find an open crease like a veteran against zone defenses. Almost always knows where he is on the field, and can be dangerous after the catch although many of his receptions have been in heavy traffic or near the sidelines.

Release: Has a very smooth release, as his size and strength allow him to avoid getting jammed at the line. Doesn’t explode out of his breaks like some, but is deceptively quick and gets into his second gear faster than most. Johnson should begin to see double teams pretty regularly as he asserts his dominance over smaller cornerbacks and safeties across the league.

Route Running: Runs solid routes and sells his head fakes well. Isn’t as crisp as he could be, but will get by on his athletic ability more often than not and rarely misses a beat in most instances. Will only get better in this area as his NFL tenure increases, which is a scary prospect to think about as an opposing cornerback.

Speed: Even at 6’5” and 235lbs, Johnson regularly can beat out opposing cornerbacks with his speed alone. Was timed at 4.35 seconds at the NFL combine before the 2007 Draft, and can make defenses pay for even one single misstep. Is a premiere deep threat, and is one of only a handful of receivers who can go deep for a touchdown on any given play, at any given time in a game.

Position Ranking: N/A
Overall Ranking: N/A