This is my 300th post on FFBSU. Seems odd that my 300th post milestone is to announce Ian Johnson, the "face" of the Broncos for the last 3 years, went undrafted in this weekends NFL draft and I'm not happy about it. You wanna know why I'm not happy about it? Look at who was drafted. Tom freakin' Brandstater was drafted (!). Two Mountain West running backs were drafted that had fewer TDs in their career than Johnson's sophomore season alone—one of them had fewer career yards than Johnson's sophomore campaign as well. You are telling me that Ian Johnson, the very definition of a character player...who scored 58 rushing TDs in his career and finished 8th in Heisman voting as a sophomore isn't a better pick than UNLV's Frank Summers? Really, NFL? A guy who posted the second fastest time among running backs at the NFL combine and showed versatility and character throughout his career can't even make it 10-deep on the "top remaining players" list hours into day 2 of the draft? Really, "Scouts Inc."? What a slap in the face to a kid who played through injuries, always talked to the media and never complained about diminished touches in the backfield. Say what you will—I know that free agents can and do flourish in the league...but a player as decorated and talented as Ian Johnson should NOT be drafted behind two (!) players from 1-AA. A player as valuable to a team and as committed as Ian Johnson should not be drafted after a quarterback from Nebraska-Omaha or a running back from Abilene Christian. The all-time leader in rushing TDs and face of the WAC just got wacked...10 conference mates were picked up by NFL squads—none could take a "chance" on Ian?
Oh sure, Ian will get his shot somewhere...and he has his "foot-in-the-door" so to speak, but the NFL's system of evaluation leaves much to be desired...and Ian deserved better than what he got. Oh, and I'll go ahead and throw this out there: Jeremy Childs might have made a "slight" miscalculation.
Somewhat less disappointing update: Friends gotta stick together. Vinny and Ian heading to the Vikings as free agents. Ian chose the Vikings from 12-15 suitors (the team with Adrian Peterson as an RB...really?) Good luck to both. Also, Julian Hawkins to Dallas to say hello to O. Scandrick.
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4.26.2009
Ian Johnson undrafted—My faith in humanity dashed
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13 comments:
Thanks for this post...it said everything I'm feeling about the NFL draft, but couldn't put into words because right now I'm speechless!
As a vikings fan, i have to say that i am more than excited to see that we signed ian. I actually predicted the vikes picking him with their 5th rounder. Either way, he has a bright future ahead of him learning under peterson and taylor.
Good post Drew. I seriously watched almost the entire draft just waiting for to see where Ian went. I was angered in the latter rounds when some of the guys you mentioned were picked instead of Ian. Reading your post makes me feel slightly better about it.
I'm glad Ian and Perretta are going to the Vikes. They just need their foot in the door.
I understand the outrage as a BSU fan, but it really isn't a stretch to see that Ian didn't get drafted. He took on a diminished role and never repeated the success of his sophomore year. Yes, he is a character guy and a team player but that only tells me that he fits the mold of an undrafted free agent. His special teams play and pass protection give him a chance to make the team.
I am a little surprised that after the 40 time he put up in the combine that he didn't go in the late rounds. But prior to the combine the general consensus was that he would not get drafted and halfway through last season, there were some calling for him to get fewer carries. Overall a lot of big names went undrafted this year.
The only part of your post I truly disagree with is the comment regarding someone from Abilene Christian or Nebraska-Omaha should not be drafted in front of Ian. Bronco Nation continually complains about the lack of respect and that just because they are smaller doesn't mean the Broncos are not as good as a BCS school - yet your slight of 1-AA teams indicates that blue collar outlook only applies to the Broncos.
Ian couldn't make it in the Pac 10 much less the NFL
Check out Oregon NFL take on Blount/Hout
http://tightend.blogspot.com/2009/09/byron-hout.html
I think that boise state is better then everybody think it is but people need to give a chance
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I also watched the draft. And yes I was surprised Ian wasn't taken. However alot of the really great players in all sports leagues where never drafted in the early rounds. Many were never even drafted at all! No doubt Ian will excel with the Vikings if he's given a chance and stays healthy.
It seems the cream always rises to the top of the barrel.
Your blog is outrageous! I mean, Ive never been so entertained by anything in my life! Your vids are perfect for this. I mean, how did you manage to find something that matches your style of writing so well? Im really happy I started reading this today. Youve got a follower in me for sure!
Out standing blog you'ever made.. keep up the good work. Amanda Vanderpool
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