Derrick Johnson
LB, Texas · 2005 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #15 (KAN)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, position. Details below.
- Age
22 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.1% of the time (2,011 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
LB (LB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.8% of the time (701 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
No ESPN pre-draft ranking on file for him.
- School
Texas: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at 242 lbs: faster than 88% of LBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 188 of ~224 possible regular-season games from 2005 through 2018 (~84%). Last NFL season: 2018.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 188 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 11 |
| Pro Bowls | 4 |
| First-team All-Pro | 1 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 80 |
| Defense | 955 tackles, 27.5 sacks, 14 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2018 |
The 2005 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2005 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 22 | 56.1% n=2,011 | |
| Position LB | 56.8% n=701 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 3", 242 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.52 s |
| Vertical | 37.5" |
| Broad jump | 120" |
| 3-cone | 7.2 s |
| Shuttle | 3.87 s |
| Age at draft | 22 |
Picked around him 2005 redraft
| 12 | Shawne Merriman | redraft #39 |
| 13 | Jammal Brown | redraft #24 |
| 14 | Thomas Davis | redraft #8 |
| 16 | Travis Johnson | redraft #93 |
| 17 | David Pollack | redraft #156 |
| 18 | Erasmus James | redraft #137 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.