Richardson and Johnson

#1
FredWhite2

FredWhite2

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#1
There has been much chatter recently about how both Tiny and AJ need to return for their senior seasons. Here is what I know for certain right now: Neither is a day one pick, and not certain top two round guys. AJ will probably go pro because the flaws in his game cannot be improved by staying another year in college, but Tiny can do wonders for himself by staying another year in my (and several NFL scouts') opinion.


Tiny started the year a sure-fire first round candidate, which might have gone to his head a little bit. He may still enter the draft (which would be a HUGE mistake on his part due to his performance this season and the overall high quality of the tackles in this year's draft class), but he would be smart to consider staying another season to fine tune several aspects of his game. He often lunges at defenders which he can get away with against an ordinary DE, but against NFL talent (Clowney, Fowler, Lawson, Easley etc) he was exposed. He also struggles with pre-snap recognition which causes him to either miss an assignment or guess too often. This will only cause him headaches at the next level as the defensive fronts and blitz schemes become more complicated. Tiny is going to be an NFL player there is no doubt. However, returning to Tennessee for his senior season and concentrating on these areas will benefit his draft stock and his wallet. This draft class has several top level tackles coming out this year (Lewan, Matthews, Koundjio, Collins, Ogbuehi, Erving, and even Ja'waun James are all now equal to or ahead of Richardson in many NFL scouts' eyes. There's no doubting Tiny has tremendous upside and if he can convince a team to fall in love with his potential and take him early, so be it. His game needs work and is not ready for the next level.



AJ Johnson is definitely not a top two round guy. He lacks the ideal speed and quickness to play at the next level. Even when AJ makes a play, he often slings the ball carrier down instead of creating contact and being an enforcer in the middle. Yes, he has a nose for the football and is around the ball frequently. However, he is a liability in space due to his physical limitations and lack of coverage skills. He also sometimes is caught looking in the backfield, which for a three year starter is not good at this stage. I think AJ will go because he cannot improve his speed much more than he has. He lost weight and still has not been able to make plays consistently in space this season, so I don't know if coming back for his senior season will benefit him as much as Tiny. He will most likely be a two-down LB at the next level. The good news for AJ is that he can play in either the 3-4 or the 4-3 system which will make him appealing to every team that needs a MLB in this year's draft and not limit his stock in that regard. He is a good player, but there are some big holes in his game as well that have been exposed at times in college and will definitely create a disadvantage for him against the best football players in the world at the next level.


Both of these guys will get a chance to play at the next level, whether it be this year or the next and I wish them nothing but the best because they have both fought their asses off for this team. Yes there is risk for both coming back regarding their future (injuries, off field trouble etc) but there is also some substantial and attainable reward for Tiny and possibly AJ as well in coming back for their senior seasons at UT. It will be interesting to see what decisions these kids make in the near future. Wish them both the best of luck in making the best choice for them and their families and thank them for giving their all for Tennessee!
 
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#3
#3
I think it's a foregone conclusion that Tiny will go. AJ needs to stay. There's several good LBs in this class and very few in 2015.
 
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#5
#5
I hope both stay, but I'd say you have it backwards.

Tiny is the 4th best tackle in this draft class regardless of the flaws in his game and won't make it out of round 2.

AJ could work his way into the middle rounds if he came back and showed improvement. Considering the fact that next year would be the first time he's been in the same scheme for 2 years and that he should have a stronger supporting cast that will allow him to get off the field and rest a bit more on 3rd downs and passing situations, I think he could have a great senior season and increase his draft stock if he came back.
 
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#6
#6
I just tweeted AJ. He said he is staying and that CJones found a loophole were he can earn a salary his senior year.

Hoping both stay.
 
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#9
#9
Same chatter last year with Bray, Hunter and Patterson.. This is why you recruit every year. Are you listening Dooley?
 
#12
#12
Great post, OP.

I spite of what you say about Tiny needing to stay, he's gone, IMHO. You are right about him being exposed at times this year against really good talent. Tiny may have won the battle with Clowney in 2012, but this year, Clowney got the best of Tiny.

If AJ is getting anything resembling a sniff from the NFL, even as a free agent signee, he will be gone. It would not surprise me to see AJ miss being drafted and be a free agent signee.
 
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#13
#13
Someone on Yahoo Sports had Tiny being taken in the 1st round in a mock draft....who knows :dunno:
 
#15
#15
Ok my nice post above was true , and all . But after thinking about it . Both should move on to the big pro ranks . We need an Oline that MOVES people . We need a MLB that STOPS people . We do not have those now . I love {no homo } both them guys . But we need a little bit more .
 
#16
#16
i talked to tiny after the game Saturday night briefly and asked him if he was going to stay for next season at Tennessee he said " I don't know man" I said well i hope you do we should could use you. he said thanks. and i left it at that. so who knows. curt maggitt is definitely coming back.
 
#18
#18
I disagree with you about AJ. I think staying would absolutely help his draft stock.

Here's why:

1. Another year in Janecks system would help him learn this system better and be more efficient in his angles and vision. Don't forget the guy has been coached by three different Defensive coaches as well as three different linebacker coaches. That isn't good for anyone's discipline as each have taught spacing and hand checks differently.

2. Downhill running and pad leverage. Again another year in this system will help improve how he uses his leverage as again, he has been coached different by multiple coaches on how to leverage his body off the ball improving his SPEED. AJ looks slow off the ball because of his leverage and that FIRST step. I assure you the guy isn't slow and for his size at middle linebacker he is alot faster than many at his position.

3. Strength and Conditioning. He like all kids his age are growing into their (man bodies). Not sure how is to put that but another year in the weight room, doing cones, and speed drills could help him at 21 years old.

4. Last and finally confidence. Another year for him as a leader and having more help around him, Weatherd, Bates, Maggit healthy, Muhon, etc.. I can't tell you how critical it is to have trusty help on your outsides which allows him to play in himself and not trying to make the play every time because he's the leader and no one else can.

Sorry for the length but you need to understand before you just say go pro another year isn't worth it. If he performs and improves like he should and is capable with my points I'm saying mid-late first or early second
 
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#21
#21
Giveem6 said:
I disagree with you about AJ. I think staying would absolutely help his draft stock.

Here's why:

1. Another year in Janecks system would help him learn this system better and be more efficient in his angles and vision. Don't forget the guy has been coached by three different Defensive coaches as well as three different linebacker coaches. That isn't good for anyone's discipline as each have taught spacing and hand checks differently.

2. Downhill running and pad leverage. Again another year in this system will help improve how he uses his leverage as again, he has been coached different by multiple coaches on how to leverage his body off the ball improving his SPEED. AJ looks slow off the ball because of his leverage and that FIRST step. I assure you the guy isn't slow and for his size at middle linebacker he is alot faster than many at his position.

3. Strength and Conditioning. He like all kids his age are growing into their (man bodies). Not sure how is to put that but another year in the weight room, doing cones, and speed drills could help him at 21 years old.

4. Last and finally confidence. Another year for him as a leader and having more help around him, Weatherd, Bates, Maggit healthy, Muhon, etc.. I can't tell you how critical it is to have trusty help on your outsides which allows him to play in himself and not trying to make the play every time because he's the leader and no one else can.

Sorry for the length but you need to understand before you just say go pro another year isn't worth it. If he performs and improves like he should and is capable with my points I'm saying mid-late first or early second
Click to expand...

AJ has stiff legs. He has had them since he has been here. Don't know if another year will help. He could stay and probably learn more, but physically I think he is very close to his ceiling. He is all vol though and that I appreciate. If you watch his high school film he runs the same and tackles the same. I am not sure the guy can play low.
 
#22
#22
I think they both go. Tiny will still probably end up as a 1st rounder despite his less than stellar year. He will probably show very well at the combines, and somebody will fall in love w/ him based on potential.
I fear AJ will go as well, it's been a foregone conclusion since he got that he would leave after 3 years, i think he has that in his head and he can't stomach the thought of coming back. He puzzles me as a player, seems to have good straight ahead speed and mobility, but struggles to move laterally and is too out of control when he pursues. He needs to sit down a little and not have such a high center of gravity in pursuit, makes him too susceptible to fakes and cuts. I also question his football iq and/or his instincts. Great motor and passion for the game, needs some quality coaching, and w/ our instability in that dept., his game has really suffered
 
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#24
#24
ItsAllVols said:
Walter football has both going 1st round, I don't believe they will be back.


WalterFootball.com: 2014 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Continued
Click to expand...
Based on this analysis of the pick, I question their reliability
"The Browns have a great front seven, but the one liability in the group is Craig Robertson, who has been abused in coverage this season. A.J. Johnson is the best player available and happens to fill a big need."
so they suggest replacing a player "who has been abused in coverage" w/ someone whose primary weakness as an LB is pass coverage.
 
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