Former University of Tennessee middle linebacker AJ Johnson has had a very rough ride to the NFL. Three years ago he was on top of the world, the big man on campus in the SEC at times. Voted as an All SEC linebacker and All American, he was slotted by most professional teams to be a second round draft pick and my Denver Broncos already had our eye on him.
The road got bumpy for Johnson when he was accused of rape and no team would draft him because of his pending legal issues. The court case went to trial and Johnson was out of football for three years and mostly forgotten about.
After a long drawn out trial, which I will spare you all of the details, he was eventually acquitted by a jury of 7 females and 5 males. With his legal troubles behind him and several professional teams now offering contracts, Johnson never forgot the Denver Broncos and how much they wanted to bring him to the Mile High magic of Broncos Stadium.
After signing the largest un drafted free agent contract in Broncos Franchise history, Johnson was on the field in less than a couple days already making plays like this tackle on punt coverage during the pre season. The weak link on Denver’s defense is mostly at middle linebacker. Todd Davis and Brandon Marshall are suitable NFL linebackers but neither of them are huge stars or even dominate players with a special type of talent.
AJ Johnson has a unique combination of size, strength and speed on top of some incredible football instincts. Most Broncos fans have no idea who he is or what kind up upside gamble this is for the team. If AJ Johnson is as good as I think he is, the Denver Broncos got the absolute steal of the 2018 draft/free agent players. At 26 yers old and not quite in football shape yet, it may take until week 5 or 6 before we see much of this kid in defensive situations. When he has been in the field he has already flashed how good he is. Good lord, if Denver’s defense gets a Mack truck run stopper on the cheap on their already ruthless pass rush, there is no telling how good the Broncos can be. Look for Johnson to get into the game this Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, he is now wearing his old college number 45 and looking to make a big splash.
