• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Jan 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (94) celebrates after the game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Is Jaleel Johnson Ready for Larger Role?

March 26, 2018

Were Chiefs Truly “Bored” This Season?

January 25, 2021
Early Super Bowl 55 Storylines

Early Super Bowl 55 Storylines

January 25, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
WWE: Fantasy Booking The 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

WWE: Fantasy Booking The 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

January 25, 2021
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Quincy Roche

2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Quincy Roche

January 25, 2021
Buffalo Completes the Sweep in New England: Patriots Standout Performances in Week 16

A Golden Opportunity Awaits the Super Bowl-Starved Buffalo Bills

January 24, 2021
New England Enemy Profile: Buffalo Bills

Overdue Bills? Allen is the Key to a Buffalo Berth in Super Bowl LV

January 24, 2021
Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

Why So Few Minority Head Coaches? “They Keep Moving The Goal Posts,” says ESPN’s McFarland

January 24, 2021
Bills

NFL Betting: Bills Well Represented on Conference Championship Props

January 24, 2021
Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Start’ in Columbus

Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Start’ in Columbus

January 24, 2021
NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

NFC Championship Odds: Packers Maintain Betting Edge Over Visiting Bucs

January 23, 2021
AFC Championship Odds: Bills Visit Kansas City as Attractive Underdogs

AFC Championship Odds: Bills Visit Kansas City as Attractive Underdogs

January 23, 2021
Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

Detroit Lions Conclude Coaching, Front Office Searches

January 23, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Monday, January 25, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL NFC NFC North Minnesota Vikings

Is Jaleel Johnson Ready for Larger Role?

Sam Smith by Sam Smith
March 26, 2018
in Minnesota Vikings, NFC, NFC North, NFL
Reading Time: 3min read
0
Jan 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (94) celebrates after the game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 14, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jaleel Johnson (94) celebrates after the game against the New Orleans Saints at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The Vikings have taken up a big part of the offseason headlines with the Kirk Cousins deal. Along with the addition of Sheldon Richardson, those deals alone make this a good offseason for Rick Spielman and company. But, at least nationally, a few significant losses have slipped through the cracks.

Tom Johnson and Shamar Stephen both signed with Seattle in the spast week. While their destination is not that significant as the Seahawks are seemingly dumping their entire 2017 roster to rebuild, the loss of both could spell more trouble than the Vikings are willing to admit. Neither is a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle, and the general feeling heading into the offseason was that both were going to go elsewhere. So these losses are not a surprise, nor are they irreplaceable. But the Vikings are now entering 2018 without a disproportionate percentage of their 2017 defensive tackle snaps.

More FromFPC

Were Chiefs Truly “Bored” This Season?

January 25, 2021

Early Super Bowl 55 Storylines

January 25, 2021

2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Quincy Roche

January 25, 2021

A Golden Opportunity Awaits the Super Bowl-Starved Buffalo Bills

January 24, 2021

Richardson should provide an upgrade as the starting 3-technique. The question is whether or not Jaleel Johnson is ready to step in to be the primary third tackle.

Entering the draft last season, Johnson projected to be a pass rushing tackle with little upside in the run game. In the preseason, he showed that pass rushing prowess, recording one sack and getting consistent pressure. However, though that helped him make the Vikings’ roster, Johnson saw little playing time during the regular season.

In the few snaps Johnson did play, he had bursts of what made him an appealing prospect. He has active hands, a quick twitch off the line and solid two-gap explosion. Johnson’s power comes from momentum, fiercely delivering the first punch when he gets a head of steam. However, his power is not quite the same in the run game. When he has to take on a block, his anchor does not drop well enough. As a result, he gets eliminated on just about every double team and can be taken out by one-on-one blocks far more often than one would like.

This is likely the reason why Johnson saw so little playing time. In passing downs, the Vikings did not need a pass rushing tackle. They went to the three end look with Brian Robison as the three technique. When Tom Johnson or Linval Joseph needed a spell, Stephen could fill either role on early downs. Jaleel Johnson simply did not show he could hold up over long stretches of drives because his run defense was suspect.

Some of his run struggles are technique issues, things that can theoretically be ironed out. His pass rush technique, quickness and strength are exceptional, so he clearly has the mind and physical traits to succeed. But Johnson’s mentality seems to be “attack the pass, receive the run.” He is aggressive when he can pin his ears back and go after a fixed point, but passive when he has to engage, diagnose and discard.

Which brings us to 2018. Stephen and the other Johnson are gone. The Vikings will presumably look at defensive tackles in the early rounds of the draft, but Jaleel Johnson is likely to take on a larger role this coming season. That does not mean 40 snaps a game, but one or two dozen is not out of the realm of possibility, especially if the rookie is not one of the top five tackle prospects.

There is a lot of upside to like about Johnson, and we have seen him flash it against NFL competition. But he needs to round out his game before he becomes a regular contributor.  This offseason and preseason will be a major turning point as to whether or not he has what it takes to stick. If he shores up his run defense, the Vikings may have found a starter. If not, he may never be more than just a niche player.

Johnson will always have a role because of his pass rushing talents. The question to be answered is whether that role will come to fruition on this team.

–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Full Press Coverage NFC North. Like and Follow @samc_smith Follow @fpc_vikingsFollow @fpc_nfcn

  • Fall from Grace for the Once-Proud Minnesota Vikings Defense
  • Vikings at Buccaneers: Preview and Prediction
  • NFL Monday Night Football Odds: Vikings Favored to Claim Rare Win in Chicago
  • Lions Commit Three Turnovers, Get Run Over in Loss to Minnesota
  • Disappointing Vikings Poised for a Second Half Run
Tags: Jaleel JohnsonLinval JosephMinnesota Vikingsnfl free agencyShamar StepehenTom Johnson
Share600Tweet375
Previous Post

2018 Cardinals Draft Prospect: QB Mason Rudolph

Next Post

2018 NBA Playoffs: Teams Riding the Bubble

Sam Smith

Sam Smith

Next Post
2018 NBA Playoffs: Teams Riding the Bubble

2018 NBA Playoffs: Teams Riding the Bubble

Sep 4, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Sam Mustipher (53) and offensive lineman Quenton Nelson (56) and offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey (68) during the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Colts' Scouting Report: Quenton Nelson

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

Packers 2021 Mock Draft 1.0

January 1, 2021
Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chicago Bears: Predictions For Week 6 Matchup against Carolina Panthers

October 14, 2020
Love

Cavs-Warriors Discussed Kevin Love Trade

November 14, 2020
Nov 17, 2018; Athens, GA, USA; Massachusetts Minutemen wide receiver Andy Isabella (5) runs past Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) to score a touchdown after catching a pass during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Vikings Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Combine Edition

8
Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

Chicago White Sox: MLB’s Most Overrated Team Going Into 2020

7
LeBron

LeBron, not Michael, is the Greatest of All Time

5
Early Super Bowl 55 Storylines

Early Super Bowl 55 Storylines

January 25, 2021
WWE: Fantasy Booking The 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

WWE: Fantasy Booking The 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match

January 25, 2021
2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Quincy Roche

2021 Raiders Draft Prospect: EDGE Quincy Roche

January 25, 2021

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Surly Mole Darkness, Super Bowl is set, Huskers, Tennessee money grab, and Eric Bieniemy
    by Full Press Coverage on January 25, 2021 at 4:10 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43109364/ep_13_fpr.mp3
  • Ep. 61: Wil Black Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 25, 2021 at 3:41 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5516605558.mp3
  • Yankees acquire Jameson Taillon
    by Full Press Coverage on January 24, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8481815609.mp3
  • Ep 22: Championship Weekend Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 24, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8343554021.mp3
  • Ep 60: Conference Championship Weekend/Remembering Hank Aaron
    by Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2021 at 8:20 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2498603921.mp3
  • Ep 47: AJ Lee
    by Full Press Coverage on January 23, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9258885629.mp3
  • Ep 60: R.I.P. Ted Thompson
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 10:56 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8176794666.mp3
  • Ep #86: Chiefs vs Bills AFC Championship Preview
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 4:22 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9619884388.mp3
  • Ep. 185 - Just Chatting
    by Talkamania on January 22, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43062341/talkamania_episode_185.mp3
  • Ep.60: Horsemen Business
    by Full Press Coverage on January 22, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2752739688.mp3

  • WWE: Fantasy Booking The 2021 Men’s Royal Rumble Match
    by Evan Gomes on January 25, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    With the Royal Rumble coming this Sunday, I wanted to try something a little different. We’ve […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 47: AJ Lee
    by Evan Gomes on January 23, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE NXT Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 5:21 am

    WWE NXT Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. Fight Pit 2: Electric Boogaloo Results: Leon Ruff & […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: January 20, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on January 21, 2021 at 3:53 am

    AEW Dynamite Results: January 20, 2021 A.K.A. The One With -1’s Birthday Results: “Hangman” […]

  • Royal Rumble 2021: Making the Case For Big E
    by Evan Gomes on January 19, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    It is time for Big E to get his own Wrestlemania moment. After striking out on his own brand away […]

More Wrestling News

  • Islanders’ Five-Game Snapshot: Scoring Becomes a Key Issue to Open Season
    by Curtis Rush on January 25, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    Looking at the Islanders' five-game snapshot, some troubling patterns have emerged, and lack of […]

  • Newest Jets Forward Dubois Already “At Home” in Winnipeg
    by Carter Brooks on January 24, 2021 at 8:05 pm

    Saturday's blockbuster deal featuring the likes of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic […]

  • Ovechkin Tops NHL’s 2021 UFA Class
    by Bob Duff on January 24, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    The Capitals Alex Ovechkin tops an impressive free agent class this offseason. The post Ovechkin […]

  • Patrik Laine, Jack Roslovic Ready for ‘Fresh Starts’ in Columbus
    by Carter Brooks on January 24, 2021 at 12:32 am

    It was a trade that nearly every armchair GM could have made, and nearly everyone within the cities […]

  • 2021 AHL Schedule Release Breakdown
    by C.C. Hawkley on January 23, 2021 at 7:08 pm

    The AHL released its 2021 regular season schedule on Friday. C.C. Hawkley breaks down the number of […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
  • Ep 47: Recapping the Bruins Offseason to this Point
    by Full Press Coverage on October 21, 2020 at 6:34 pm

    Ian and Chris the free agent moves the Bruins have and haven't made as […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/21440275/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F5e55ff65a935458b843f84f596268c6e.m4a
  • Ep 46: NHL Free Agency Wishlist; Krug and Chara's Future; Rask to Stay
    by Full Press Coverage on October 9, 2020 at 8:21 pm

    Ian and Chris recap the Bruins draft and take a look ahead to the start of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/20863092/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F02c7a7b0f8c9979d30155fe48c48dfba.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage