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mgteich

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Many of us throughout liked Johnson's play on the DL. We saw lots of plays. Part of the reason is that there were TWO Johnson's playing on the DL: Antonio at DT, and Rufus at DE.

How would you evaluate the chances of these players. These two are competing with Moore, Branch, Chris Jones and Vellano for 1-2 roster spots.
=====================
I have 8 DL locks:
DE: Ninkovich, Sheard, Jones
DL: Siliga, Easley
top rookies: Brown, Flowers, Grissom
==================
and 3 locks at LB
LB: Hightower, Mayo and Collins
I tend to think that 5 LB's right.
=====================
 
Last edited:
You have to add LBs aswell, DL + LB. Grissom, Ninko etc covers both. 15 spots probably (10/5)
 
If Rufus keeps up his play, I want him over any WR6. Can never have too many pass rushers.
 
Dont want to get too excited but seems that they have a surplus of decent interior and DE types.

I think there will be 2-3 guys that'll get cut that deserve to be a on the 53
 
If Rufus keeps up his play, I want him over any WR6. Can never have too many pass rushers.
You can't teach 6-5 275.

The question is can he pick up the subtleties of the position quick enough to stick.
 
Many of us throughout liked Johnson's play on the DL. We saw lots of plays. Part of the reason is that there were TWO Johnson's playing on the DL: Antonio at DT, and Rufus at DE.

How would you evaluate the chances of these players. These two are competing with Moore, Branch, Chris Jones and Vellano for 1-2 roster spots.
=====================
I have 8 DL locks:
DE: Ninkovich, Sheard, Jones
DL: Siliga, Easley
top rookies: Brown, Flowers, Grissom
==================


If Rufus plays like he did in the next three games then definitely him. Having said that, as an EDGE rusher he'll always be way down the depth chart (behind Chandler, Nink, Sheard, Flowers) whereas a DT or Zach Moore who can play both inside and out probably has a better chance of getting on the field during the season. But If I was personally making a choice for two remaining places, I'd go with Rufus Johnson (really liked his size and explosiveness) and Alan Branch.
 
Just for information. Just found this report about Rufus Johnson from practices for the Texas v The Nation pre-draft game.

"Defensive Line

-A pair of small school ends, Armonty Bryant of East Oklahoma Central and Rufus Johnson of Tarleton State showcased their next level talents as explosive, violent edge rushers. Johnson winning more consistently to the inside and Bryant winning to the inside, both displayed the first step and violent hands to consistently factor in the pass rushing department.

-Armonty Bryant’s repertoire of arm-over moves to the outside, enabled him to consistently dip, bend and explode through the blocker’s outside shoulder for quarterback sacks and pressures. Nearly unstoppable in one-on-one’s, Bryant caught my eye in the first practice and will be one to watch throughout this event.

-Rufus Johnson was a player I’d seen in person earlier in the year, but the improved hand usage and overall violence at the point of attack surprised me to an extent. Firing out of his stance with speed to the outside and working back inside with heavy hands, Johnson beat blocker after blocker to the inside, during one-on-one drills. Still a factor in run support in the team phase of practice, Johnson may be working his way into a draft selection."

http://optimumscouting.com/draft/articles-draft/2013-texas-vs-nation-monday-s-practice-notes.html

Ironically I was a big fan of Armonty Bryant that year and remember reading this report but Rufus Johnson was a name that never stuck with me.
 
Just for fun, a comparison of Aldon Smith's combine numbers and Rufus Johnson's pro day numbers (Rufus is in parentheses). Aside from 3-cone, they're virtually identical.

  • Height: 6'4" (6'5")
  • Weight: 263 (272)
  • Bench: 20 (20)
  • Vertical: 34.5" (34.5")
  • 40 yard dash: 4.74 (4.75)
  • 20 yard dash: 2.70 (2.70)
  • 10 yard dash: 1.66 (1.62)
  • 20 yard shuttle: 4.5 (4.56)
  • 3 cone: 7.19 (7.43)
  • Broad Jump: 9'10" (10'2")
Edit: Should be noted that Aldon Smith had freakishly long arms at 35" +
 
There seems to be a well stocked grouping of DE's in the fold. I wonder if Rufus can go on a weight gaining program, add 25#'s of muscle, and play inside next year?
 
There seems to be a well stocked grouping of DE's in the fold. I wonder if Rufus can go on a weight gaining program, add 25#'s of muscle, and play inside next year?

With his length I think he's ideally suited for the outside personally. But you are right, we have a nice bunch of EDGE guys.
 
Antonio's chances are directly related to how branch looks. I branch starts knocking people around, they don't have room for a third big DT [Malcom being a combination]

Rufus has tough competition, he would be a case of stashing someone by going short at another position, assuming the other DEs are solid.
 
With his length I think he's ideally suited for the outside personally. But you are right, we have a nice bunch of EDGE guys.

He does have Richard Seymour height .........
 
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