Beast and Tiny going pro a good thing?

#1
skasper06

skasper06

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2013
Messages
1,324
Likes
1,694
#1
I know Richardson is projected as a potential first-second rounder and Johnson probably wouldn't be too far behind... if they both went pro.

But would that be the best thing for them? Or for us? Tiny seems to be adjusting to the spread offense style, but you can tell it's not his natural thing. And AJ has been a rock for our defense, but would leaving early for a possible 2nd or 3rd round draft pick be worth it?

At the same time, would it be best for the team if they went ahead and left? In the spirit of trying to get players that fit Butch's scheme on the field faster, what do you guys think?

Personally I would understand if Tiny left, although I hope he doesn't. Our O-line will likely face challenges with or without Antonio. I just figure he could at least help the younger guys come along faster.

As far as AJ goes, I think he should stay period. He's been good but I honestly don't think he's had a stellar season and his draft stock is falling IMO. Let him play along side Chris Weathered and Dillon Bates next year and our linebacker corps is just nasty. They all would help each other I think.
 
#2
#2
Maybe I havent paid enough attention to the experts, but I would be shocked if AJ came out this year and was drafted anywhere before the 5th round.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 10 people
#3
#3
I don't see AJ going. I think Tiny is as good as gone, but he could use another year, especially with the mental mistakes he's made this year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 6 people
#4
#4
BearCat204 said:
Maybe I havent paid enough attention to the experts, but I would be shocked if AJ came out this year and was drafted anywhere before the 5th round.
Click to expand...

This... There were some guys projecting him early before the year started but I think they probably just looked at stats. I love AJ as a Vol but I would be shocked if he gets drafted early, he is just too slow.
 
#5
#5
AJ is a very good two down mike. He is not good in space however and you generally don't see those types of LB's drafted early. Another year won't change that.

Just give me Cam Sutton and 10 new starters on defense please. Our defense is soft and lacks speed and football IQ. It's better than last year though and will be MUCH better next year, even if it is mostly new players.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5 people
#7
#7
UNAVol89 said:
I don't see AJ going. I think Tiny is as good as gone, but he could use another year, especially with the mental mistakes he's made this year.
Click to expand...

This^^ I see a lot of mental errors and penalites on Tiny. False starts and holding almost every game it seems like. Not knocking the guy. He is great! Could just use some improvement in that area.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#8
#8
skasper06 said:
I know Richardson is projected as a potential first-second rounder and Johnson probably wouldn't be too far behind... if they both went pro.
Click to expand...

Honestly, I'll be shocked if AJ Johnson is drafted before the third day of the draft. I would be less surprised if he wasn't drafted at all. He's a two down linebacker at the next level and that's hardly something many teams are looking for.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
#9
#9
BearCat204 said:
Maybe I havent paid enough attention to the experts, but I would be shocked if AJ came out this year and was drafted anywhere before the 5th round.
Click to expand...

Spot on. Only way to go before 5th round, would be an astonishing combine. AJ would do great if he could somehow work with a sprint coach. I think he has the talent, just needs to get a little quicker on the field.
 
#10
#10
I agree about Johnson not being a high draft prospect... but do you guys think it would be best for him to go ahead and leave so our defense could start rebuilding with new guys?
 
#11
#11
skasper06 said:
I know Richardson is projected as a potential first-second rounder and Johnson probably wouldn't be too far behind... if they both went pro.

But would that be the best thing for them? Or for us? Tiny seems to be adjusting to the spread offense style, but you can tell it's not his natural thing. And AJ has been a rock for our defense, but would leaving early for a possible 2nd or 3rd round draft pick be worth it?

At the same time, would it be best for the team if they went ahead and left? In the spirit of trying to get players that fit Butch's scheme on the field faster, what do you guys think?

Personally I would understand if Tiny left, although I hope he doesn't. Our O-line will likely face challenges with or without Antonio. I just figure he could at least help the younger guys come along faster.

As far as AJ goes, I think he should stay period. He's been good but I honestly don't think he's had a stellar season and his draft stock is falling IMO. Let him play along side Chris Weathered and Dillon Bates next year and our linebacker corps is just nasty. They all would help each other I think.
Click to expand...

Didnt read, but neither is ready.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 people
#12
#12
FBtime said:
AJ is a very good two down mike. He is not good in space however and you generally don't see those types of LB's drafted early. Another year won't change that.

Just give me Cam Sutton and 10 new starters on defense please. Our defense is soft and lacks speed and football IQ. It's better than last year though and will be MUCH better next year, even if it is mostly new players.
Click to expand...

Forgive me, but did you just say you wanted 10 freshmen to start on D next year?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5 people
#13
#13
AJ should be moved to DE. He is just too slow in pass coverage. If he does stay I think this is something they should consider especially with the linebackers we have committed.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people
#14
#14
skasper06 said:
I agree about Johnson not being a high draft prospect... but do you guys think it would be best for him to go ahead and leave so our defense could start rebuilding with new guys?
Click to expand...

I think his senior leadership would be a good thing and given that we're losing so many seniors next year, it would be nice to have some experience back there. But, it's one of those, "If he wants to be here" things. If he doesn't want to be here, then we're better off with all new guys.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#15
#15
I can't imagine it would be a positive for either to go. The team will need leadership and experience next year and another year to get acquainted with the system wouldn't hurt. I think Tiny goes but I wish he would stay.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 person
#16
#16
Looking at our recruiting class on defense... It could be REALLY good. Barnett, Hendrix, Henderson and Lambert on D-line. Bates, Weatherd, and Bryant in the linebacker group. Gaulden, Kelly Jr, McDowell, Payne and Gaulden all playing DB...

I'm going to miss Johnson if he leaves, but I think we'd be okay if he did. Although I definitely still hope he stays. His leadership over those guys would make them all better - including Johnson.
 
#17
#17
Tiny has to reduce his mistakes, and AJ just does not have the speed to go sideline to sideline, we need speed speed speed on the D.
 
#18
#18
Volnado said:
AJ should be moved to DE. He is just too slow in pass coverage. If he does stay I think this is something they should consider especially the linebackers we have committed.
Click to expand...

So you're going to take our best, most experienced linebacker, put him at DE and replace him with true freshman? :eek:lol: OK!
 
#19
#19
volroadwarrior said:
Forgive me, but did you just say you wanted 10 freshmen to start on D next year?
Click to expand...

Yep...well. 10 new starters. Combination of freshmen and Juco's. They can't be worse than this defense and their improved speed will help make up for mistakes. We are SO slow and soft it's just hard to watch.
 
#21
#21
I think it speaks volumes about the state of our current roster that these 2 are considered our best players. Imo, both are over-rated, and both stuggle w/ the mental part of the game. Tiny has all of the physical tools and is excellent in pass protection and will be drafted pretty high despite his short-comings. He should, and will be an early entrant. AJ is not an NFL caliber LB and would be ill-advised to leave this year. Agree that he should be playing w/ a hand on the ground and if we can develop some LB's quickly, it may happen next year.
 
#22
#22
UNAVol89 said:
I don't see AJ going. I think Tiny is as good as gone, but he could use another year, especially with the mental mistakes he's made this year.
Click to expand...



9 games in and we still lead the SEC in fewest penalty yards given up per game.
 
#23
#23
FBtime said:
Yep...well. 10 new starters. Combination of freshmen and Juco's. They can't be worse than this defense and their improved speed will help make up for mistakes. We are SO slow and soft it's just hard to watch.
Click to expand...

I'll keep Vereen, at least on 3rd and long in addition to Sutton
 
#24
#24
Seeing Johnson rushing off the edge would be interesting. I could see it happening. Not sure if he has the ability to shed the blocks, but he could be really good at it with right coaching.

I don't remember if it was Tiny or Johnson that said something along the lines of being really hyped about what's going on at UT and thinking how next year would be really interesting... possibly hinting at wanting to stay. I think it was Richardson.
 
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top