Mark Schofield of Touchdown Wire recently ranked the top 11 inside linebackers in the NFL and Denver Broncos free agent Alexander Johnson made the cut, ranked No. 11.
Here’s part of Schofield’s commentary with the ranking:
Unfortunately, Johnson played in just six games last year, as he suffered a torn pectoral muscle which put him on the shelf in mid-October. Prior to the injury, however, Johnson recorded 32 total tackles, and a pair of sacks, which to date remains his career-high for a season.
An area of his game that stands out? What he does in coverage underneath. When matched up against running backs and tight ends, Johnson can handle his man coverage responsibilities at a high level.
That pectoral injury might partially explain why Johnson is still unsigned, but it can’t be the only reason because Josey Jewell suffered the same injury last year and the Broncos re-signed him in March.
Johnson might be a candidate to return to Denver if the Broncos suffer any injuries at inside linebacker during training camp or preseason. Whoever ends up signing Johnson this late in free agency could end up getting a steal.
To view Schofield’s complete list of the top inside linebackers in the NFL today, visit Touchdown Wire.
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