Position: Outside Linebacker
Height / Weight: 6’3″ 265 lbs.
Age: 28 / Experience: 8
College: Alabama
The Baltimore Ravens have a strong linebacker corps, but perhaps the biggest surprise in the 2009 season was Jarret Johnson. Johnson was a fourth-round pick in the 2003 draft out of Alabama, who continues to add versatility to his improving game. Despite being limited by shoulder problems in 2009, Johnson did not miss a game, and was a force in both defending the run and rushing the passer. He ended 2009 with 50 tackles, including six sacks. However, he also had two interceptions, one forced fumble and four passes defensed.
2010 Outlook: The hope is that Johnson will be fully recovered from off-season labrum surgery and further excel in his role as a do-it-all linebacker. At 6’3″ and 270 lbs, Johnson’s size is ideal in aiding a stout run defense and what he lacks in speed he more than makes up for with toughness and smarts. While Johnson’s roles is not likely to change in 2010, it will be interesting to see how the Ravens coaching staff mixes in other young linebackers like Dannell Ellerbe, Tavares Gooden and Sergio Kindle. It is possible that Kindle or Ellerbe could take some of Johnson’s snaps on 3rd down.
