In 2007 the Vikings utilized their first- and second-round draft choices to add offensive firepower, selecting running back Adrian Peterson and receiver Sidney Rice. In last weekend’s draft, Vikings Vice President of Player Personnel Rick Spielman, his staff and the Vikings coaches decided to address the other side of the ball in the first two rounds.
With defensive end Jared Allen essentially representing the team’s first-round pick, the Vikings moved in the second round to select another defender, safety Tyrell Johnson, to fortify their defense and special teams.
The Vikings were so convinced Johnson was the man for them that they aggressively moved up five spots in the second round to ensure that the 6-0, 207-pound safety would be their man.
“When it got within striking distance, we felt we had to go up and get [him] just because he was too good of a football player to sit there and wait,” Spielman told reporters on Saturday after drafting Johnson. “When you strategize and you look at the teams that are ahead of you, you start to wonder ‘could he not get down,’ because there are some teams up there we felt may need [a]safety. When he was sitting there and within striking distance, that’s when we decided to go up and get him.”
Some football observers had Johnson going much earlier than 43rd overall, meaning the Vikings received top value for the Arkansas State product in the second round. Vikings Head Coach Brad Childress pointed out on Saturday that Johnson was the 17th player on the board, which is ironic considering the Vikings first-round pick that was dealt to the Chiefs for Allen was the 17th overall selection.
Although Johnson’s impact likely won’t be as strong as Allen’s in 2008, he will still play an important role with the Purple. Known as a hard-hitting defensive back, Johnson put up the most reps of any defensive back on the bench press at the NFL Scouting Combine. That strength, combined with his speed and excellent football instincts, will make him a solid contributor on special teams this season as well as a capable backup at safety.
Johnson finished his career at Arkansas State as the Sun Belt’s all-time leading tackler and the conference’s all-time leader in interception return yards. He also once recorded 25 tackles in a game against North Texas in 2005.
“When you compare him, we thought he had unique ball skills, which is something that’s very important, especially at the safety position,” Spielman said. “He has excellent closing burst, anticipates well and does a nice job when they do send him on blitzes.”
Coach Childress also said that Johnson’s ball skills will be useful in the defensive secondary as well as a potential spot in the return game.
“He shows the flexibility to be able to do some things in the return game, whether or not he in fact does that, I don’t know,” Childress said. “He had pretty good numbers in terms of the punt return game and as a kickoff return guy, so he exhibits that. He obviously has good hands, which is important back there.”
Whether it is in a base or nickel package on defense, or on special teams with kick coverage or kick return, Johnson seems excited to prove he can contribute immediately to the Vikings.
“I think I can come in and contribute right away,” Johnson told reporters after being drafted. “It all depends on what the coaching staff has for me and I’m just going to respect whatever they have for me and whatever they want me to do. I’m going to be there and I’m going to get it done.”