Best wide receivers in the league...and Bryant Johnson

by Fooch on Mar 26, 2008 11:07 PM PDT in News Comment 4 comments

So it appears the NFL folks at the world wide leader are bored. They're rolling out features discussing the all time greats at various positions, and then the best currently playing. Currently they're discussing the top 64 wide receivers in the league (not sure how they decided on 64). Anyways, I thought I'd check out the 49ers receivers listed and use it as the impetus for a Bryant Johnson scouting report. I never threw up a general scouting report on Johnson so now seems as good a time as any.

#42. Isaac Bruce - "Bruce joined the 49ers this offseason after 13 outstanding seasons in St. Louis. This 14-year veteran is on the downside of his career and his skills are diminishing, but he might be able to give the marginal 49ers receiving corps some consistency."

#50. Bryant Johnson - "Johnson has been a solid receiver, but he hasn't become the top-tier target many experts projected. Many of his problems have stemmed from inconsistent quarterback play and marginal pass protection. Johnson is still a relatively young receiver and we expect him to improve."

Some guys right around Bruce were Reggie Williams, Derrick Mason, Reggie Brown and Chris Henry. Guys around Johnson included Sidney Rice, Mark Clayton, Roscoe Parrish, Michael Jenkins.

Isaac Bruce probably brings a consistency and some solid leadership skills. Arnaz Battle brings a level of consistency that will hopefully work well as a #3 in Mike Martz's system. Anything from Ashley Lelie would be a bonus and Jason Hill has to prove what he can do. However, Bryant Johnson is a true X-factor for this season. Will he blow up now that he's not stuck behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin? Or maybe he's destined to be categorized as a bust. From Scout's Inc:

Johnson is well-built, physical and fast . . .[with] quality tools and a good feel for the game. He can find voids in coverage when a play breaks down [and] knows how to use his size and strength to create separation. He is a solid intermediate target . . . But Johnson's focus and consistency need to improve . . . He makes many of the plays he should, but he doesn't offer much big-play ability. He doesn't play up to his timed speed. His effort as a route runner and downfield blocker could be better. He could be even more physical and a little tougher.

I mentioned Isaac Bruce's ranking in part because it's possible he could help Bryant Johnson develop as a receiver. Johnson was behind two young ball hawks in Boldin and Fitzgerald. Now he'll be working with a classy veteran who has nothing left to prove in the league. It will be interesting to see if he can develop and make the proverbial leap, or if he'll never be more than an average receiver in the NFL. The ranking of Johnson mentions playing behind inconsistent QB play and marginal pass protection, but that hasn't stopped Fitzgerald and Boldin from racking up catches. I'm inclined to believe it's lack of focus. Hopefully something will light a fire under him this season. He could be a big key in turning this thing around sooner rather than later.

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WIDE RECEIVERS - AND POTENTIAL

The addition of Johnson does, indeed, strongly suggest it's time for some hopeful, yet 'guarded' optimism. So here's where I stand:

One fact alone that should add to our confidence going forward is this: we literally stunk up the NFL horizon in '07 from an offensive stand point by "bringing up the rear" in virtually all offensive categories, thus - we can only go one place from there - and that place is up. The Niners at this precise moment (in my opinion) are very long on "want-to and pride" but still a tad short on caliber of personnel. And they are being guided in ALL areas by an entire organization that has a lot to prove. Put all that together: the want to/got to, the pride and ego's involved, the futures and pay checks on the line, etc., etc - plus the LAST PLACE category - and what you have left is WE WILL GO UP LITERALLY ACROSS THE BOARD. What else is left?

by 9ernutt on Mar 27, 2008 10:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bryant Johnson

For what it's worth. I watched the replay of the Cardinals vs Ravens game from week 3. Johnson didn't see much action. Johnson had only 1 catch. What is more disturbing are the two dropped passes. Late in the game Warner scrambled to buy time. Johnson managed to find open space, but Johnson couldn't hang on to the pass as he fell to the turf. Then Warner threw a jump ball into the endzone. It was a catchable pass. But there was decent coverage on the play, and Johnson dropped what should have been a TD.

by jfainsf49 on Mar 27, 2008 11:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Why 64?

Because each of the 32 team list 2 starting receivers. by including him in the top 64, ESPN is insinuating that Johnson should be a starter. The other insinuation is that he's near the bottom of the starters.

by Nineraguan on Mar 28, 2008 4:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs