Saints Secretly Scouting Fastest Running Back in 2009 Draft

by Dave Cariello on Apr 2, 2009 11:39 AM CDT

I've got a secret but you've got to promise not to tell anyone else.

University of Akron running back Andrew Johnson is the fastest running back in the 2009 NFL draft and I'm not talking about our 17th president.

So says the Sports Agents Blog.

Dynasty client, Andrew Johnson, was told by the Indianapolis scout that he had the fastest timed 40 for any running back that the Colts have clocked so far this year.

...the University of Akron released its electronic times and revealed that on a slower than normal surface, Andrew Johnson clocked a 4.32 40

It gets better too. Only two teams, our New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts, were in attendance at Akron's pro day to check this kid out. Since making so many upgrades to their defense via free agency, many draft experts now think the Saints will go with a running back like Chris "Beanie" Wells with their first round pick in this years draft. But the emergence of Andrew Johnson and the fact that he's obviously on the Saints radar might mean they'll try to address their running back issues in the later rounds by stealing this diamond in the rough.

Keep your eyes open.

Stats at a Glance

Andrew Johnson #7
Position: Running Back	Height: 5' 11"
College: University of Akron, University of Miami	Weight: 215
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA	Birthday: 11/23/86
High School: North Hills HS;	Age: 22

Rushing Stats
YEAR	TEAM	ATT	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	FD	FUM	LOST
2004	MIA	16	41	2.6	8	1	0	0	0
2005	MIA	14	97	6.9	46	0	0	0	0
2006	MIA	5	34	6.8	24	0	0	0	0
2008	AKR	56	278	5.0	33	2	0	0	0

Receiving Stats
YEAR	TEAM	REC	YDS	AVG	LNG	TD	FD	FUM	LOST
2008	AKR	11	64	5.8	20	0	0	0	0

Poll

Ever heard of Andrew Johnson the running back?

Yes

21 votes

Who?

323 votes

344 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 9 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

BAH

we dont need no stinking RB.

by MT_always on Apr 2, 2009 11:42 AM CDT reply actions

I think you guys could use a complement back

But I don’t understand the cries for a big, bruising starter. Pierre Thomas deserves another shot to start and Reggie Bush is still one of the most dynamic weapons in the NFL. Would it be nice to have a goal line guy who could take the load off those two? Of course. Maybe someone can explain why that train of thought is circling the track right now.

Personally, I think you guys should draft a QB.

by Dave Choate on Apr 2, 2009 12:04 PM CDT reply actions

Eh

While I agree to some extent, is there anybody in this draft that’s worth it?

by Just Some Guy on Apr 2, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Think back

To 2006. Deuce, Reggie. That’s the last time we could effectively “control” the clock. I recall many drives in the past two years that stalled due to our deficient running game. PT and Reggie are great, don’t get me wrong, but they need help. I’m not counting on Stecker returning and who knows what we’ll get out of Mike Bell. Lynell? Possibly a guy to keep an eye on.

Although I’d prefer trading back and grabbing a versitile OLB like Clay Matthews and adding a young safety like Chung – I can’t argue with picking up a bruiser like Wells.

Besides, the more I read about 3G, the more I trust his ability to do “more with less”. And maybe, just maybe, we’ve done enough this offseason to improve a defense that really wasn’t that bad considering all the injuries and poor secondary (part players, part pass rush, part system).

Just because the monkey's off your back doesn't mean the circus left town - G. Carlin

by ty'76 on Apr 2, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

QB for sure

Wait.. is it still april 1st?

by MT_always on Apr 2, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey, I went to Akron and watched this guy!

Here’s the skinny. First, there were more than two teams there. At least Cleveland, Cincinnati and Buffalo were in attendance, so says someone I know who was there. When he’s healthy, he was a good power back. The problem is, he has serious injury problems that have really really slowed him down. By no means is he the player he was coming out of high school.

Super nice guy, though. We did a video interview with him before the 2008 season started. He’s going to work hard, but I just think he’s too much of an injury risk at this point.

by Dan Kadar on Apr 2, 2009 12:22 PM CDT reply actions

Faster than Reggie?

We already have a speedy, elusive back in Reggie Bush. Do we really need another speedster? At 5’ 11", 215 lbs, Johnson doesn’t seem to fit the mold of what seems most needed at RB. If they draft a RB (preferably in the 4th round, if at all) don’t they most need a “Earth” to go along with the “Wind” and “Fire” they already have? Based on what Mocking Dan says, I’d rather they look somewhere else. But, what do I know? Not much.

Go Saints!!!! Deuce may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

by David "Satch" Kelly on Apr 2, 2009 1:09 PM CDT reply actions

Let's Not Get Distracted Now

We still need dfensive help and we have the back we need (unless it’s Christian Okoye type!) We need a DE or a LB or a Safety to give depth. RB should be way down the list unless it’s a real bruiser.

by Philinwood on Apr 2, 2009 1:13 PM CDT reply actions