James-Michael Johnson Scouting Report

James-Michael Johnson is an undersized inside linebacker with a stocky, well-built frame. Has a great knack for generating positive contact. He takes guys on and explodes into them trying to outwork them. As a tackler, he's not perfect in his technique, but he looks to bring the thump. Opens up his arms, wraps and brings them down. Johnson has average arm length, yet he does well to initiate contact with his hands and does okay to place them.

Like a running back, he makes himself skinny when blitzing through creases in the line. He's not the type to take a blocker one on one if he doesn't need to and he's looking to penetrate the play with a decent short area burst.

Still needs work in coverage. He has some extra motion in his feet and can get caught taking a step and give up separation. Average ball skills. Irregular pad level causes poor change of direction quickness; although he is quick and instinctive, so after being coached up, coverage could become "plus."

Johnson has good pursuit angles and has active hands to pry for the ball. Consistently gets a jump on ball carrier.