quote:

This years’ mystery RB:
James Johnson, Kansas St., 5-11, 200, 6.36 ypc, 12 tds. He would make a very good NFL RB – IMO. Just one problem, he doesn’t appear anywhere, not at the combine, not anyone’s draft lists, in short – no one is saying anything about him. He may have opted out of the draft. That is the only thing I can think of.

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By Chick Ludwig | Thursday, June 5, 2008, 10:27 AM

Two of the most pleasant surprises during OTAs are rookie college free agents — cornerback Simeon Castille (Alabama) and tailback James Johnson (Kansas State).

They just don’t look good. They look fantastic. Castille fell out of the draft with a slow 40 time, but is showing his ability to make plays on the ball in the air. All Johnson is doing is running with great burst and toughness.

Head coach Marvin Lewis recently singled out both players as a pair of guys who have flashed and caught the coaches’ attention.

“That’s always good when the head coach recognizes your play,” Castille said. “I’m just out here trying to make some plays and first of all learn the plays, and just contribute.

“Coach Coyle (defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle) has this sign in his office that says, ‘Don’t just make the team. Make the team better.’ That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m not trying to just be out there. I actually want to contribute and be one of the guys that, if it comes time for me to go in, then they’re not worried. They can depend on me.”

Folks, believe me, both of these cats have a chance to stick.

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Originally posted by Ghost of Lambeau:
Good points about Jody Nelson and picking up player who get cut - literally.

And maybe GMs took the stabbing incidents as him being a bad character.

But once I think about it, I have to take "impressing the Bengals" for what it's worth. Still, I thought (and still think) he had the talent.

Thanks for the information.