Representatives from six NFL teams gathered at Tarleton State’s pro day held at nearby Aledo High School on March 15, where 10 players went through a workout held at the high school’s indoor facility.Rufus Johnson, DE (6-foot-4 1/2, 266 pounds) — Johnson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.75 and 4.78 seconds. He had a 34 1/2-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot-2 broad jump. He did the short shuttle in 4.64 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.69 seconds. Johnson will be going to Seattle and San Diego for visits with the Seahawks and Chargers, respectively. He has also been encouraged to work out at Texas State’s pro day on March 26, which should be well-attended since the University of Texas will be hosting its pro day that same day (Texas’ will be held in the morning, while Texas State’s pro day will be conducted in the afternoon.
Although Saints radio doesn't realize it yet Rufus Johnson, is an OLB in a 3-4, being that he's only 260ish. He'd be a DE in 4-3 So Saints got their man to add to our OLB competition
Here's what Eric Galko, who did the Big Board for Sporting News says about Rufus: Rufus Johnson, DE, Tarleton State Probably the most physically impressive specimen at the Lone Star Conference festival, Rufus Johnson really looks the part of an NFL caliber, 4-3 defensive end. Along with possessing plus size, length, and muscle definition throughout, Johnson also sports a quick, explosive first step, a non-stop motor, and excellent closing speed to finish plays in the backfield. While his leg drive and balance serve well for a power-speed combination at the Division II level, Johnson still remains very raw from a technique standpoint. He lacks a go-to move, doesn’t always read and react instinctively to the play, and can be influenced up the field or down the line of scrimmage by the blocker. A size-speed prospect with plus physical tools to develop, Johnson is a must-sign, priority free agent that all NFL teams should take a closer look at.
Rufus on Saints radio now, they asked him if he's still 260 or if he's bigger now, and he says he is 272 So could be 3-4 DE / 3-4 OLB tweener, I'm really not sure now...but more likely OLB
Payton on radio: Rufus: he can rush the passer, will be OLB, like his size-speed combination, physical gifts, compared him to how they felt about Colston, Evans when we drafted them (great prospects, but unproven in the college big leagues because went to small schools)
We had RB Arian Foster coming to us until he chose Texans at last second because he liked their depth chart better, that's why you can't let the best guys you want slip to free agency, the extra money you pay them as late draft picks vs UDFA is minimal
We don't purposely set out to get small school players, in fact, we don't like them because we can't see film on how they look against quality competition like we could see with OT Fluker vs Mingo, for ex. But, if there is a small school prospect that we think is outstanding, we are not afraid to pull the trigger
Rufus: caught a lot of people's attention. We evaluate not just on film and measurables, but go through a whole line of evaluators, area scout, next-higher-up scouts, position coach, and if everybody agrees they like him, that's obviously a plus
