more Cam Johnson Scouting Reports-

A solid, well put together lineman with a strong looking lower half and natural length for the position. He does a solid job coiling up into his stance vs. the pass game, keeping his base under him, back flat and a good -not-great- initial first step. He displays the ability to at least threaten the edge on his pass rush, but he's a little tight struggles to really drop his pad level around the edge. He will get upright and can easily be pushed past the play. Exhibits the ability initially to keep his pad level down, extend his arms and can be physical through contact when asked to fend his way off blocks. Can work the bull rush through, gain leverage and run his legs through contact into the quarterback. Exhibits a good motor. Showcased more of a counter at the Senior Bowl than I saw throughout on tape. Is a more sudden lateral athlete than given credit for, which could really open up his pass rushing arsenal if he continue to improve.

Improved as a run defender as a senior. He can create a snap at times into contact and uses his length well and violent hands to shed blocks. Exhibits solid hand placement, extends his arms well and can initially gain some leverage. When he does keep his pad level down he can hold his own at the point, he just lacks that explosive initial quickness to disengage. But will make plays off his frame because of "plus" awareness and motor. Once he does free himself, he has some range off his frame and good closing speed on the outside.

Plays fast in space and can keep his feet under him and drop off into coverage in zone blitz situations. Was banged up as a senior and needs to prove he can stay healthy.

Impression: A solid college defensive end who has never been much of a sack artist but there are some tools there. Showcases some fluidity in his drop and in coverage and has the ability to mature into a more sudden pass rusher. Will get looks in both a 34 and 43 front.
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A versatile defender, Johnson played linebacker in a 3-4 scheme during his first two seasons at Virginia. When the team moved to a 4-3, Johnson switched to defensive end as a junior. That's where he has seen most of his playing time, since he stepped into a full-time starting role in 2010. Johnson recorded 6.5 sacks that year and he is enjoying another solid campaign as a senior. He leads the Wahoos with 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks in eight games (he has missed one of the team's nine games).
Johnson, a Washington, D.C. native, has great size at 6'4'' and 270 pounds. He is a slightly better fit a defensive end, where he currently lines up, because his best asset is size as opposed to speed. Johnson generally runs in the 4.7s in the 40-yard dash and he has been clocked at 4.67 from that distance. He can overpower lesser offensive tackles but will have to develop a go-to move or two as he heads to the next level. Johnson would also do well to improve his run defense skills. With a strong finish to the season and a decent combine, Johnson could be a second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
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Pros:
Good size…long arms…explosive off the snap…Gets his hands up if he doesn’t get to the quarterback…does a good job of using his arms to drive the offensive linemen….Good hustle…uses his hands pretty well…Really good functional strength…
Cons:
Susecptive to reverses and misdirections crashes too far inside sometimes…lacks ideal awarness…struggles to maintain consistent leverage…Doesn’t offer a lot in terms of pass rush moves

Player comparison: Jeremy Mincey Jaguars
Round projection: 2nd

Thoughts
Cam Johnson has protpyical size for a 43 defensive end and is one of the few bright spots in a lackluster 43 DE class. Cam Johnson has a lot to work with, he has a really good motor and is quick off the snap, and he’s really strong. he has long arms and has active hands. His biggest problems are that he lacks great awarness, he doesn’t maintain his lanes extremely well and can be fooled by reverses, counters, misdirections. And secondly he doesn’t have a full repetoire of pass rush moves. It’s pretty much a bull rush with a little swim move. Still there is a lot to work with and his good size, hustle, and quick burst off the snap are all desireable traits at the N.F.L. level. If he can be coached up to play with better leverage and be taught how to prepare in the film room he could be a real nice player in the N.F.L.
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Film Room Notes: vs Georgia Tech

Strengths: Good size and decent length for his position – Strong upper and lower body – Has plus closing speed, can chase down a lot of plays – Decent agility, moves well for his size – Uses his hands well to disengage – Can set the edge in the run game, disengage, and make solid tackles – Locates the ball quickly in the run game – Shows good effort at all times, don’t see much loafing on tape – Bull rush is his go to move, gets a good push – Has experience as a 3-4 OLB (Al Groh) and 4-3 DE.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t exhibit a great first step, won’t win off of initial quickness – Needs to add to his repertoire of rush moves and counters – Gets a bit high rushing the passer, will get knocked off balance when trying to dip around the edge – Missed multiple games during his senior season due to leg injury.
1/31/12
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My impresssion
A 4-3 DE having pass rushing as his weak link doesn't seem like a great fit for the Saints. As a 3-4 OLB he could have higher value than the Saints late 2nd Rd pick. What makes him look like a Saints pick is that he seems to be more of an investment pick. It might take some time to develop him but he may have enough tools to eventually produce more than what was seen of him at Virginia.

I would note also that how free agency shakes out with DL & LBs will be huge for the Saints need factor. Departure of Smith or Vilma and then any free agent acquisitions will add or subtract a lot of weight to need. Who is on the roster on draft day will also affect how much they lean towards this type of investment player vs. one that can step in with more immediate impact.

Big Board Rankings
Walter 115
DraftTek 66
Great Blue 59
PFW 126
NFP 48

quite a spread in rankings placement, makes him a guy to watch at the Combine to see where his stock shakes out