Welcome David Johnson TE

[Beerman]

ChargersRHenne: Chargers agree to two-year deal with TE David Johnson.

There's your blocking TE, Steve. Looks like we are going with a 4 TE group this year.

Johnson is a blocker that can play some fullback.

eric_d_williams: #Chargers reach agreement with former #Steelers TE David Johnson. 22 career receptions in 4 seasons. Mainly a blocking TE.

The San Diego Chargers continued to add pieces to their 2014 roster, bringing the versatile David Johnson into the fold on Wednesday. The tight end is regarded as an excellent blocker with pass catching ability, and has appeared at fullback over his career as well.

Over four seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Johnson appeared in 52 games, recording 22 catches for 216 yards and one touchdown in the process. His top season came in 2011 when he snared a career-high 12 balls for 91 yards and a score. He started all 16 games that season as well as the team’s lone postseason game at fullback. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending knee injury the following preseason and missed the entire 2012 campaign. Johnson returned to action in 2013, appearing in five games with two starts. He was off to a strong start with four catches for 70 yards, averaging 17.5 yards per catch, before suffering a left wrist injury that once again ended his season.

The 6-2, 260-pounder was initially a 2009 seventh round draft choice (241st overall) out of Arkansas State. He possesses great speed, clocking in a 4.7 40-yard dash prior to entering the league, but he perhaps earns the highest praise for his superb blocking skills. Thus, in addition to being a weapon in the passing game, Johnson will be tasked with opening holes for Ryan Mathews, Danny Woodhead and the newest Charger, Donald Brown. Along with the re-signings of Donald Butler, Darrell Stuckey and Chad Rinehart, Johnson is the fifth significant transaction made by the Bolts in recent weeks.

[Beerman]

UTgehlken: Chargers reach two-year deal with ex-Steelers TE David Johnson. Primarily a blocker. Has experience at fullback, too.

[Guest]

Dude looks FAST.

[Beerman]

Kinda like that they are beefing up our rushing attack. Should theoretically help us the red zone.

[Fleet]

I think he ends up playing some fullback for us. He was a mauler at the position in college.

[oneinchpunch]

Can they cut Phillips now?

[Fleet]

David Johnson, FB, Arkansas State
Selected: Round 7, Pick 32, Overall Pick 241 by Steelers

Name: David Johnson
College: Arkansas State Number: 85
Height: 6-2 Weight: 260
Position: FB Pos2: TE/H-back Class/Draft Year: Sr/2009
40 Low: 4.62 40 Time: 4.73 40 High: 4.84
Projected Round: 7-FA High: 6-7 Low: PFA Stock:
Rated number 8 out of 97 FB's 287 / 2492 TOTAL

Combine Results

Pro Day Results
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6014
Weight: 260
40 Yrd Dash: 4.73
20 Yrd Dash: 2.69
10 Yrd Dash: 1.59 225 Lb. Bench Reps: 21
Vertical Jump: 32 1/2
Broad Jump: 09'05"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.43
3-Cone Drill: 7.28


Dates: 03/31/09
Height: 6014
Weight: 260
40 Yrd Dash:
20 Yrd Dash:
10 Yrd Dash: 225 Lb. Bench Reps:
Vertical Jump:
Broad Jump:
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.40
3-Cone Drill: 7.33


Data Scout Notes: 2nd team

Post-Draft Outlook: A closer look at the Steelers' picks: Round 7/241 -- David Johnson, TE, 6-2, 270, Arkansas State...Johnson is more like an H-back, the way the Steelers use Sean McHugh, as both a tight end and fullback. If he can block, he'll have a shot because the Steelers always carry three tight ends. - by The Sports Xchange
David Johnson/Arkansas State football Videos



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Overview


Johnson's statistics did not put him on any All-American teams, but his 22 receptions in 2008 went for 356 yards (an excellent 16.2-yard average) and five touchdowns and he did make second-team All-Sun Belt. The combination of his blocking and receiving skills is what puts him among this year's best senior H-back prospects. Texas A&M found out his value as a blocker in the Red Wolves' shocking September upset in College Station.



Analysis


Positives: Fullback/tight end combination with matching build: well-built lower body with fullback height and long arms usually seen on receivers. Lines up with his hand down and as an H-back. Excellent in-line and open-field blocker. Uses leg strength to get out of his stance quickly and get into his route or block, anchors well and pushes aside defensive ends with 30-50-pound weight advantages. Finds targets in space and negates them using his length and strength. Good hands; can snatch balls from the air and adjust to poor throws. Has the speed to get deep down the seam. Used as outside protector on placements.

Negatives: Will be most effective in an H-back or true fullback position because of his lack of height. Inexperienced playing fullback in the I-formation. Generally played against a lower level of competition, although Arkansas State does play stronger non-conference games. Must work on hand technique and get up to speed against stronger, quicker defensive ends and linebackers when blocking.


2009 Season

A preseason All-Sun Belt Conference selection, Johnson caught 22 passes this year for 356 yards and a 16.2 yard average per reception. His five touchdown receptions led ASU and tied the fifth most in school history for a single season. His 16.2 yards per reception is higher than eight of the top-10 SBC leaders in receiving yards. He has caught at least one pass in 10 of ASU’s 12 games and posted season-high numbers of four receptions (twice), 87 yards and two touchdowns (twice). For his career, he has 45 receptions, 760 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns. His nine touchdown receptions tie the sixth most in school history. Also an outstanding blocker, Johnson has helped the ASU offense to a No. 2 ranking in the Sun Belt Conference in rushing offense and No. 21 ranking nationally.

2008 Season

Phil Steele's 2008 Preseason Third Team All-Sun Belt Conference.

2007 Season

Phil Steele’s Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt Conference . . . Caught 10 passes for a career-high 204 yards and three touchdowns in 2007, giving the junior tight end 23 receptions for 404 yards and four touchdowns over the last two years . . . Johnson caught a season- high three passes and had a career-best 84 yard touchdown catch that ranked as the fourth longest in ASU history . . . In addition to his 84-yard touchdown receptions, also had a 48-yard reception . . . Recorded a careerbest two touchdown receptions in a victory over UL Lafayette . . . Also a good blocker, Johnson helped ASU rank 39th in the nation in rushing offense.

2006 Season

Started all 12 games . . . Recorded 13 receptions for 200 yards and one touchdown . . . Posted a career-high 62 yard touchdown reception in a victory over Troy . . . Finished the Troy game with a career-high 74 yards on two receptions . . . Caught a career-high three passes for 28 yards in a victory over Memphis . . . Three receptions went for at least 20 yards and eight catches went for 10 or more yards . . . Caught a pass in nine games and tallied multiple receptions in three outings . . . Averaged 15.4 yards per reception, the most among all players with at least 10 catches . . . 13 receptions and 200 receiving yards were both the fourth most on the team.

2005 Season

Played in all 12 games as a true freshman . . . Did not record any statistical data.

High School

Caught 20 passes as a senior and two touchdowns for the Zebras ... Primarily used as a blocker, but runs a 4.7-second 40-yard dash ... Two-year letterman ... Helped his team to a 10-3 record ... All-State pick as a senior and two-time all-conference ... Played baseball as well.

Personal

Born Aug. 26, 1987, in Pine Bluff ... Enjoys video games, basketball and spending time with family and friends ... Son of Lois and David Johnson.


Draft Scout Player News
10/14/13 - -- TE David Johnson has a left wrist and hand injury that Mike Tomlin said appeared significant.
08/21/13 - FB/TE David Johnson was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The fifth-year veteran suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Steelers' preseason opener in 2012, and was re-signed in March.
07/31/13 - TE David Johnson, whose ACL was torn last summer, is on the physically unable to perform list.
07/26/13 - The Pittsburgh Steelers placed tight end David Johnson, tight end Heath Miller, linebacker Sean Spence and nose tackle Alameda Ta'amu on the Physically Unable To Perform List (PUP) to begin training camp. "I don't have any prognosis in terms of their availability or even when we'll start the process of considering those guys," said coach Mike Tomlin. "We'll take it day-by-day and monitor their progress." Johnson suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Steelers' preseason opener in 2012, and was re-signed in March.
03/13/13 - TE/FB David Johnson re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, agreeing to a one-year contract with the team Wednesday. Johnson suffered a season-ending knee injury in the Steelers' preseason opener in 2012. He was waived/injured and after clearing waivers, was placed on the Reserve/Injured List. Johnson has played in 47 career games with 24 starts. He has 18 receptions for 146 yards and one touchdown. He was originally drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round (241st overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.

[Beerman]

Can they cut Phillips now?

I'm more inclined to think they keep both and don't keep a FB on the roster.

[richpjr]

Can they cut Phillips now?

Yeah, the first thing that crossed my mind was have they given up on Phillips?

[CTrout]

Can they cut Phillips now?

They may not cut him now....but....Johnson should take his spot.

[Guest]

telescope must be drinking some serious kook aid down at CP.

[oneinchpunch]

I'm more inclined to think they keep both and don't keep a FB on the roster.

I would hope they dump Phillips and don't keep a FB on the roster