ABJ
Top prospect gets A++
Calvin Johnson could be next big NFL receiver
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sportswriter
ATLANTA - Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey has worked with some elite players in his 33 years in football, 16 in the pros.
But when asked whose class he would put Yellow Jackets junior receiver Calvin Johnson in, Gailey whispered like someone would think it was heresy.
``Elway,'' he said.
Analysts rate Johnson, 6-foot-5 and 239 pounds, as the top player in the April 28 NFL Draft. He might not go first overall, with the Oakland Raiders considering LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell. But Johnson is so good that the Detroit Lions, who hold the No. 2 pick, might be toying with the idea of taking him even though they have selected receivers in the first round in three of the past four drafts.
If Johnson lands in the Browns' laps at No. 3, they might be besieged with trade offers. Or General Manager Phil Savage might decide to grab Johnson himself and make him his No. 1 receiver alongside Braylon Edwards and tight end Kellen Winslow. Offseason microfracture surgery on Winslow's knee, which could jeopardize his 2007 season, might make that scenario more likely.
Cont...