2014 NFL Draft: Inside Linebacker Prospects You Should Know

Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Johnson – 6’2 240lbs – Tennessee

A.J. Johnson and C.J. Mosley are the cream of the crop when it comes to middle linebackers in this year’s draft. While most analysts have Mosley ranked higher than Johnson, it’s extremely close considering the cast surrounding Mosley and the lack there of when it comes to Johnson. Johnson was Tennessee’s lone ray of hope on a poor defense in 2012. He managed to total 138 tackles, tied for fifth in the nation, including 8.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, and one pass defended. His freshman season in 2011, Johnson had 81 tackles with one forced fumble. Known around Tennessee University as “The Beast” which in my opinion is an all too common nick name these days, he is a fast and very physical tackler that can leave ball carriers reeling. And if it gives you any idea about how poor Tennessee as a whole was in 2012, they used their best player as a goal line running back as well. Johnson ran for 6 touchdowns with 21 yards on 12 carries. So far this year, Johnson has had 84 total tackles for the Volunteers. I believe Johnson will be late first round pick, somewhere between 20 and 32.