D. Johnson on Second-Team Defense

[GodofMike]

Chiefs | D. Johnson on Second-Team Defense
Wed, 22 Jun 2005 11:47:05 -0700

Rick Dean, of the Topeka Capital-Journal, reports Kansas City Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson (http://www.kffl.com/player/12075/nfl) finished the spring workouts on the second-team defense at strong-side linebacker.

[lhnp]

That shouldn't last long.

[KC_FIFTY_EIGHT]

Actually, that is where he belongs right now. A rookie should NEVER have a spot handed to him (a QB picked #1 overall may be the exception in my book, like David Carr who had a contract in place before he was even drafted by the Texans). Let the guy earn it, even if it won't be very hard. A top rookie may even prefer to start out low on the depth charts to take some pressure off.

I know their are also some thoughts that the only reason he is on the 2nd team right now is due to contract negotiations. Some think Carl Peterson doesn't want him on the first team until after he signs a contract...as if that will somehow force Derrick Johnson to sign an under-valued contract. Personally, I think that is the most ridiulous reasononing I've heard as to why he's on the 2nd team right now.

DJ is going to get paid what a #15 pick normaly gets paid. That's simply how it works.

[lhnp]

Actually, that is where he belongs right now. A rookie should NEVER have a spot handed to him (a QB picked #1 overall may be the exception in my book, like David Carr who had a contract in place before he was even drafted by the Texans). Let the guy earn it, even if it won't be very hard.
I agree that's where he should start off. I was saying that Johnson will probably win the starting job fairly quickly.