Q&A LB DERRICK JOHNSON

Apr 23, 2005, 3:26:14 PM

FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICK (15TH OVERALL)
TELECONFERENCE

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Q: Were you surprised to be still on the board for the Chiefs 15th pick?

JOHNSON: “A little bit, but not that much. You never know what’s going to go on in the draft. I’m just glad to be off the board right now with a great team.”

Q: Are you excited about being a part of a rebuilding defense?

JOHNSON: “Definitely. It’s going to be a defensive comeback mode as far as being on the Kansas City Chiefs. I’m just ready to be a part of that.”

Q: What were your expectations for being drafted today?

JOHNSON: “I’ve been hearing top 10 to 15, and that was about right.”

Q: Do you think you can be an instant contributor to this defense?

JOHNSON: “Definitely. I will be in a situation where I can make a lot of plays and be a part of a good defense that’s on the comeback. I’m ready to go right now.”

Q: What did you learn about the Chiefs on your earlier visit to Kansas City?

JOHNSON: “I learned a lot about the Kansas City Chiefs just being there and seeing the coaches. Honestly, of all the places that I went to, that was the place that I felt most at home and I’m there now.”

Q: Why did you feel most at home in Kansas City?

JOHNSON: “The coaching staff. Coach Dick Vermeil is a very, very good coach and I like his playing style and what he does for his kids on his team.”

Q: What did former Chiefs defensive coordinator Greg Robinson tell you about this organization?

JOHNSON: “He loved it there. We played (the University of) Kansas during the year and we went up there and he always told me it’s a great city, a great place to be and that he loved it there.”

Q: Does it excite you to know that you will be a big part of a revamped defense?

JOHNSON: “That excites me a lot. Knowing that you’ve got players coming in with me is just an exciting time for me. I just can’t wait.”

Q: Do you think you can contribute right away?

JOHNSON: “Definitely. Picking me up in the first round, that’s what they want me to do. Those are high expectations that I will meet.”

Q: You’ve played mostly weakside linebacker. Could you play on the strong side if needed?

JOHNSON: “I can do it all. I can play both, being a linebacker that is versatile.”

Q: Do you take exception to people who think you are more of a finesse player?

JOHNSON: “I’m a young player that is still learning. Knowing that I’ve had my moments where I’m very aggressive and I’ve had my finesse times. But I’m a linebacker that makes plays. I think that’s what you look at.”

Q: What do you think is your greatest strength?

JOHNSON: “Probably my ability to make plays and be all over the field. That’s something I really enjoy doing. I have fun out there most of the time.”

Q: Are there times when it’s just smarter to go around a guy then just blast through him?

JOHNSON: “Well sometimes my ability and speed on the field can overwhelm me where I can go over a block and it doesn’t hurt me. But at the same time with the Kansas City Chiefs that doesn’t happen I can go through blockers. I’m the type of player that just sometimes uses my speed a little bit more.”