Will be tough for new Colts DT to have quick impact

Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky If the Colts viewed Antonio Johnson as a defensive tackle who could help cure their problems up front, they would have signed him a long time ago.

Johnson Johnson was a Titans fifth-round draft pick out of Mississippi State in 2005, but he blew out his knee in training camp and missed his rookie year. Heading into his second season, many of us presumed he would develop into a run stuffer who would amount to an upgrade over Randy Starks, who showed little interest after his rookie year and moved to Miami as a free agent.

But Tennessee judged Johnson too raw, cut him and signed him to the practice squad, viewing him as a guy they might still be able to develop.

He lost out on the 53-man roster to Kevin Vickerson, a Miami seventh-rounder in 2005 who missed his first year with a knee injury, was inactive for every game in 2006 and then spent four games on the 2007 Titans practice squad and four more on the 53-man roster. He's only played in three games this season.

At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, Johnson will be just the second Colts defensive lineman over 300 pounds. The other, Daniel Muir, has played in only two games this season.

I suspect if he makes much of an impact for the Colts, it will be in 2009.

Tony Dungy is sure to speak today about Johnson, who goes by "Mookie." I will try to check back and add what he says.



More...