Maybe we can post some YouTube video and articles in this thread. Make it a primer on Calvin Johnson, the newest Lions first round wide receiver.

Press Conference
NFL DRAFT
April 28, 2007

Calvin Johnson

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

Q. Obviously you knew this was inevitable, but now that it's happened, can you sum up the emotions?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I'm just overwhelmed with excitement right now. You know, just to be able to have the whole process over with and know where I'm going to be at in the future, I'm just excited.

Q. When did you first talk to the Lions and know that you were going to be the second pick?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I talked to them just a few minutes before the next pick, you know, so I knew a few minutes before they picked.

Q. Had you talked to them the last couple of days?
CALVIN JOHNSON: No, I haven't been in contact with the team. I've just been up here traveling the city and making appearances and stuff like that.

Q. Did Detroit tell you definitively that you would be a Lion and not be subject to further trades?
CALVIN JOHNSON: From talking to the Lions, I'm going to be a Lion.

Q. Have you thought about what it will be like teaming up with Williams?
CALVIN JOHNSON: Definitely, I've been put into a great situation being under Coach Mike Martz and being able to play with another great receiver along with the rest of the good receivers that they have up there.

Q. When they made the call that they were picking you second, did they say not to worry about any trade rumors or have you had any conversations since then?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I have not talked to them since then because I have gone around doing little interviews and everything but, like I said, from talking to them earlier, I don't believe they are going to trade.

Q. When you were at the draft table, you did an interview with Sanders and you were talking on your cell phone; who were you talking to and what were they telling you?
CALVIN JOHNSON: Just some friends. I've probably got about 60 messages on my phone that I haven't been able to check because I've been going from interview to interview.
Just a bunch of friends cheering me on.

Q. Talk about the adjustment you're going to be making even though you're going to be playing indoors, you'll be in a cold weather city.
CALVIN JOHNSON: I don't think it will be too much of a problem especially because we are playing indoors.
I wouldn't have a problem playing in the cold if that was the case.

Q. Was there a point where you thought you might be the top pick in the last few days? Is there any disappointment that you're not?
CALVIN JOHNSON: There's no disappointment, you know, going into the situation that we're going into, I don't think anybody knew exactly what was going to happen except for the Raiders. So whatever happened is what happened, but I think this is the best thing for me.

Q. Early on in the process people thought it would be logical that Detroit could not take a receiver, did you keep them off your list for the same reason everyone else assumed?
CALVIN JOHNSON: Not at all. After talking to Detroit, they always tell me I'm not going to fall; so I take that as two ways, either they will take me or trade. Obviously they took me so the rest speaks for itself.

Q. Have you talked to anyone about what to expect in the NFL?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I talked to Coach Gailey and he gave me tips and everything like that.

Q. What do you think your biggest challenge will be now moving into the pros?
CALVIN JOHNSON: Just keeping my same intensity and even more. A lot of guys get laid back after they make into it the league. They think that they have made it. You know, so I have to just keep up my intensity.

Q. Who did you call first?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I haven't been able to call anybody. I've just been getting messages stacked up on top of messages.

Q. A lot of people were talking before the draft about how the Lions have taken three receivers in the Top-10 in the last four years and now you're the fourth receiver in the Top-10 in the last five years. Any thoughts about going to a team that keeps taking wide receivers?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I mean, a wide receiver is going to be the best choice for them and they are going to take them. The last few years it may not have worked out but I'm sure my situation will.

Q. Can you talk about your motivation and just how you were driven this year?
CALVIN JOHNSON: Being known as the best player, it's an honor, so it just encouraged me to keep working hard out there so I can keep that tight.

Q. How do you live up to that title and go to a team that's lost so much and there will be so much expected of you on the field and off the field? How do you live up to that?
CALVIN JOHNSON: Like I said, I've just got to bring my habits, bring my intensity along with me. Like I said, I can't just lay back.

Q. When you talked to the Lions, who did you talk to?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I talked to Mr. Millen and Mr. Martz, Mike Martz.

Q. What did he say?
CALVIN JOHNSON: He said I'm going to be in a good situation with him.

Q. We know about all of your strengths on the field; what's one area you need to improve on or work on do you think?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I mean, I'm always working on everything every day. So I mean, I don't feel that there's one thing. I'm every day working hard trying to improve my game.

Q. You've been described by a lot of people as the best athlete in this draft. How do you react to hearing that and do you believe that about yourself?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I definitely believe that and the way I react, like I said earlier, just keep working hard and keep up my intensity.

Q. Have you looked at any wide receivers that you might pattern your game after?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I've never really patterned myself after anybody. I just work hard and I'm here today, just proud of the hard work over the years. I haven't really patterned myself after anybody. I just try to be myself on the field.

Q. How will you celebrate tonight?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I don't know, I'm not sure what my schedule is going to be right away. I have to figure out what my schedule is going to be and then I can go from there if I want to have a party or whatever.

Q. When you saw JaMarcus wearing all-black, did you think the decision had been made?
CALVIN JOHNSON: No, I didn't think nothing to it.

Q. Did you think he might have a clue?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I really honestly didn't put the two together.

Q. You're about to be very rich; what's the first thing you're going to buy?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I don't know. I haven't thought about the money at all. You know, I just want to get to my team and I just want to play.

Q. Are there any current NFL players that you have or will go to for advice as you enter the league?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I'll talk to different people, you know, and I'll definitely take on -- I'll definitely accept any advice anybody gives and I'll seek some out for advice.

Q. What do you think are some of the pitfalls that sometimes receivers who do really well in college find in the pros?
CALVIN JOHNSON: Like I said early year, just the main reason a lot of people struggle is just because they lose their intensity when they go from college to the League; they think that they have made it, and it's just another step.

Thanks for the info. I guess we'll see what happens when he gets on the field.

Definitely saying the right things.

I'm glad we kept him. We didn't necessarily ruin those other receivers... they had some issues of their own. It sounds like Calvin sees himself as being more professional than they were.

Crazy catch
YouTube - Calvin Johnson - "The Catch" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXRqyjzyBRg)

Highlight reel set to Eminem
YouTube - calvin johnson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvBUKqhT0FE)

From Mitch Albom this morning:

Johnson, during a news conference in New York, was asked what his greatest challenge would be in the NFL.
"Just keeping my same intensity and even more," he said. "A lot of guys get laid-back after they make it into the league. They think that they have made it. You know, so I have to just keep up my intensity."
That's for sure. Especially in November, when the team's record could be 3-8.

In the interview, he stated that he talked to Millen and Martz. What about the HEAD COACH.............I wonder if Marenilli was on board with this decision. After all, he is a defensive minded coach. I just can't get excited with this choice when we had 4,200 passing yards last season. That was the 2nd highest in the Lion's history. He'll only take away yards from others. I see no new production with this choice, unless he blocks on special teams................

Nemo, I had the same thoughts as you when I read his presser, and also on the Moss trade (we could have got a WR for a 4th).

Great minds...

From a talent point of view, it would have been great to have Moss on the team for a 4th rounder (or the equivalent McCown and Mike Williams).

But from an "intangibles" and "character" point of view, there was no way that Rod or Millen would want him here. They've had too many problems with those types of guys.

I truly believe that for Rod at least character > talent.

For Millen, I believe that drafting a WR in the top 10 > winning and hiring coaches that have a last name that starts with M > finding guys that fit the system.

Nemo, I had the same thoughts as you when I read his presser, and also on the Moss trade (we could have got a WR for a 4th).

Great minds...



I really didn't think our draft would go this BAD...........
Roscoe, I just don't understand what Millen was THINKIN

Talent is one aspect. Coaching another. Health and good luck yet another set of variables.

I really wasn't impressed with the top of the draft, and thought we should have looked to plug holes rather than grab a sexy name.

But what do I know? I'm a Joe Dumars fan...

I'm ok with the Johnson pick from a talent perspective, but I'd have MUCH rather seen us move down, grab extra picks and fill a need. We could have moved down 1 spot, picked up an extra pick or 2 and drafted Thomas.

I think Millen reached on each of the next 3 picks. There were better players in need positions available at each pick and the guys he did grab more than likely could have been grabbed much later.

In the interview, he stated that he talked to Millen and Martz. What about the HEAD COACH.............I wonder if Marenilli was on board with this decision. After all, he is a defensive minded coach. I just can't get excited with this choice when we had 4,200 passing yards last season. That was the 2nd highest in the Lion's history. He'll only take away yards from others. I see no new production with this choice, unless he blocks on special teams................

It's fine to get 4,200 yards but how well did the passing game do inside the red zone? Pretty poorly from what I remember. Can Calvin change this? I think that's why they got him. They'll have to cover him AND Williams down there.

It's fine to get 4,200 yards but how well did the passing game do inside the red zone? Pretty poorly from what I remember. Can Calvin change this? I think that's why they got him. They'll have to cover him AND Williams down there.

I wonder about having to cover both guys - will Kittna have time to throw without an adequate protection? Also, he may get knocked out early on the season if he keeps take the beating. With this type of offense we need a mobile quarterback to at least by himself some time to throw.

It's fine to get 4,200 yards but how well did the passing game do inside the red zone? Pretty poorly from what I remember. Can Calvin change this? I think that's why they got him. They'll have to cover him AND Williams down there.


You make a good point, but Remember, only 3 first downs rushing per game last season. THIS is our biggest need....................to improve our running attack. That will make us better in the Red zone

It's fine to get 4,200 yards but how well did the passing game do inside the red zone? Pretty poorly from what I remember. Can Calvin change this? I think that's why they got him. They'll have to cover him AND Williams down there.Don't forget Furrey.

You make a good point, but Remember, only 3 first downs rushing per game last season. THIS is our biggest need....................to improve our running attack. That will make us better in the Red zone

agreed, one of the reasons given for drafting Calvin was to open up the running game. If you have to cover Royboy and Calvin downfield, does that open up the running game? Gotta have a line to block. We'll see what happens.

Nemo, I had the same thoughts as you when I read his presser, and also on the Moss trade (we could have got a WR for a 4th).

Great minds...

I don't like taking WR's in the first round peroid. Look how many bust there have been with first round WR's? Koren Robinson, David Terrell, Charles Rogers, Daunte Stallworth, Freddie Mitchell, I could go on.
Seeing that the Raiders traded Moss for a freaking 4th round pick makes me ill.

Why didn't we just trade McCown and Mike Williams for Moss straight up and trade down to Tampa Bay's #4 and pick up 2 extra 2nd round picks. Or we could have stayed at #2 and took Joe Thomas. We could have filled more holes and would have gotten a proven talent in Moss. Then we turn around and reach for Stanton a Mike McMahon clone. Unreal.....

I don't like taking WR's in the first round peroid. Look how many bust there have been with first round WR's? Koren Robinson, David Terrell, Charles Rogers, Daunte Stallworth, Freddie Mitchell, I could go on.
Seeing that the Raiders traded Moss for a freaking 4th round pick makes me ill.

Why didn't we just trade McCown and Mike Williams for Moss straight up and trade down to Tampa Bay's #4 and pick up 2 extra 2nd round picks. Or we could have stayed at #2 and took Joe Thomas. We could have filled more holes and would have gotten a proven talent in Moss. Then we turn around and reach for Stanton a Mike McMahon clone. Unreal.....


In the same thought, I wonder why we took Stanton with the second round pick. Stanton is a project and I'd rather have my 2nd round pick starting. Troy Smith who has an NFL arm would have been fine with me.
Coulda had him with a much lower pick, and In my opinion, he has as much possibility as Stanton. (all due respect to MSU followers)

I think CJ will help us in several aspects.

1. Red Zone - teams will have to concentrate on 2 big, tall receivers with good hands - plus Furrey underneath

2. Mismatches - Teams can't double team one of our receivers. We don't have 1 "go to" guy - similar to the Pistons. Any of our top 3 receivers can be the guy on any given play.

3. The Running Game - Stretching the field with 2 outside receivers as deep threats plus Furrey over the middle will open up the running game.

4. Depth - CJ pushes everyone down a spot. Last year's #2 receiver now becomes our #3. Moving Furrey into the slot where he is better suited will create havoc for the other team over the middle. MacDonald is now #4. the #3 receiver needs to be fearless and consistent with good hands. They are often the dump/check down and possession receivers, areas that Furrey excels at.

5. Defense - the longer the O stays on the field, the longer the D is off it.

As far as the running game goes, I think we'll be fine if we can get/stay healthy. We added some quality depth. Tatum Bell could start for a lot of teams and Duckett will be a great change of pace/short yardage back.

I like our diversity. Bell is a speed back, Duckett is a power back and Jones (when healthy) is a bit of both. Bryson (when healthy) will be a big upgrade in this offence over Cory. I love Sledge, but he wasn't suited for this offence. Bryson has great speed, excellent hands out of the backfield and is a very good blocker.

Our O line will be an upgrade over last year, IMO, for 3 reasons. 1. our young guys got some experience and 2. we'll be healthy to start the year. 3. We brought in some new faces with experience in the league, in George Foster and Mulitalo to battle for spots. Competition is always good.

Q. You're about to be very rich; what's the first thing you're going to buy?
CALVIN JOHNSON: I don't know. I haven't thought about the money at all. You know, I just want to get to my team and I just want to play.
----
Nice proper answer CJ but I smell BS.
---
Kittna is licking his chops.
Furrey is licking his chops.
Martz is licking his chops.
Let me see the run game open up and I'll start licking my chops.
Any body got a wetnap?

In the same thought, I wonder why we took Stanton with the second round pick. Stanton is a project and I'd rather have my 2nd round pick starting. Troy Smith who has an NFL arm would have been fine with me.
Coulda had him with a much lower pick, and In my opinion, he has as much possibility as Stanton. (all due respect to MSU followers)Smith had a great coach and a bunch of great talent around him on both sides of the ball, but didn't get the job done. In contrast, Stanton had a decent coach and decent talent, and didn't get the job done. Stanton can fit into Martz offense pretty quick...I think that's why he was picked. I don't consider him a project. He will challenge Kitna and get playing time...maybe even a few starts this year.

I think CJ will help us in several aspects.

1. Red Zone - teams will have to concentrate on 2 big, tall receivers with good hands - plus Furrey underneath

2. Mismatches - Teams can't double team one of our receivers. We don't have 1 "go to" guy - similar to the Pistons. Any of our top 3 receivers can be the guy on any given play.

3. The Running Game - Stretching the field with 2 outside receivers as deep threats plus Furrey over the middle will open up the running game.

4. Depth - CJ pushes everyone down a spot. Last year's #2 receiver now becomes our #3. Moving Furrey into the slot where he is better suited will create havoc for the other team over the middle. MacDonald is now #4. the #3 receiver needs to be fearless and consistent with good hands. They are often the dump/check down and possession receivers, areas that Furrey excels at.

5. Defense - the longer the O stays on the field, the longer the D is off it.

As far as the running game goes, I think we'll be fine if we can get/stay healthy. We added some quality depth. Tatum Bell could start for a lot of teams and Duckett will be a great change of pace/short yardage back.

I like our diversity. Bell is a speed back, Duckett is a power back and Jones (when healthy) is a bit of both. Bryson (when healthy) will be a big upgrade in this offence over Cory. I love Sledge, but he wasn't suited for this offence. Bryson has great speed, excellent hands out of the backfield and is a very good blocker.

Our O line will be an upgrade over last year, IMO, for 3 reasons. 1. our young guys got some experience and 2. we'll be healthy to start the year. 3. We brought in some new faces with experience in the league, in George Foster and Mulitalo to battle for spots. Competition is always good.


Jammertime, with these picks......What do you predict for the 2007 Lions? I'm figuring on 4-12...............

Jammertime, with these picks......What do you predict for the 2007 Lions? I'm figuring on 4-12...............
Sounds pretty optimistic there.:MusicBigGrin:

Jammertime, with these picks......What do you predict for the 2007 Lions? I'm figuring on 4-12...............

I'm an optimistic. I'm going with 6-10. You can see my game by game breakdown here:
http://www.pistonsforum.com/lions-football/5718-detroit-lions-2007-season-talk-5.html

Hopefully the media won't treat this like the Second Coming of Barry Sanders. Too much pressure to put on a young, unproven guy. But I'm afraid the media machine is already revving up. :rolleyes:

WRs Roy Williams and Mike Furrey lobbied hard for the Lions to draft Calvin Johnson saying:
"I think that's the final piece of this offense to open things up," Furrey said.

Lions players consider Johnson the ace card (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070504/SPORTS01/705040368/1049)

WRs Roy Williams and Mike Furrey lobbied hard for the Lions to draft Calvin Johnson saying:


Lions players consider Johnson the ace card (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070504/SPORTS01/705040368/1049)


This is a very positive article. You get the feeling the Lions will light it up this season. I see the opposition defense loading up to stop the pass this season, and daring us to run the ball. Martz had an excellent RB in St. Louis that he doesn't have here. I don't think our OL will be able to launch this new offense. I still see Kitna being rushed into poor passes and more of the same. Still, the players being happy is a very good step. We'll see how long that lasts....................

This is a very positive article. You get the feeling the Lions will light it up this season. I see the opposition defense loading up to stop the pass this season, and daring us to run the ball. Martz had an excellent RB in St. Louis that he doesn't have here. I don't think our OL will be able to launch this new offense. I still see Kitna being rushed into poor passes and more of the same. Still, the players being happy is a very good step. We'll see how long that lasts....................

The Lions passing game was pretty good last year between the 20's and horrible inside them. I think that another year in the system for Williams and Kitna will only make that batter. Add to that the upgrade at #2 in Calvin Johnson and our upgrade at #3 by moving Furrey down a spot and we should be much improved in the passing game - especially the red zone.

Injuries were killer on the O-line last season. This unit was already weak and having so many guys in the IR only made things worse. We're starting the year out healthy again so that should automatically make this unit better. Plus the additions of guards Manual Ramirez (draft) and Edwin Mulitalo (free agent) and tackle George Foster (trade) should, if nothing else, provide competition for starting spots and depth.

Running back was another position decimated by injury. When healthy, Kevin Jones is a solid back, but so far, he hasn't proven that he can stay healthy. Jones, Shawn Bryson and Brian Calhoun all ended up on IR last season. I don't care how good or bad your team is, when you lose your top 3 RBs, your running game is going to suffer. This position was upgraded considerably this offseason with Tatum Bell (trade) and T.J. Duckett (free agent) brought in to challenge for PT and provide depth.

So IMO, all three areas of the offense - passing, blocking and running - have been upgraded this offseason. A better passing game will open up the running game, a better running game will improve our defense (on the field less = more rested and less chances for mistake) and a more effective, balanced passing game and running attack will improve our blocking game (teams can't tee off on the QB in an all out pass rush).

The Lions passing game was pretty good last year between the 20's and horrible inside them. I think that another year in the system for Williams and Kitna will only make that batter. Add to that the upgrade at #2 in Calvin Johnson and our upgrade at #3 by moving Furrey down a spot and we should be much improved in the passing game - especially the red zone.

Injuries were killer on the O-line last season. This unit was already weak and having so many guys in the IR only made things worse. We're starting the year out healthy again so that should automatically make this unit better. Plus the additions of guards Manual Ramirez (draft) and Edwin Mulitalo (free agent) and tackle George Foster (trade) should, if nothing else, provide competition for starting spots and depth.

Running back was another position decimated by injury. When healthy, Kevin Jones is a solid back, but so far, he hasn't proven that he can stay healthy. Jones, Shawn Bryson and Brian Calhoun all ended up on IR last season. I don't care how good or bad your team is, when you lose your top 3 RBs, your running game is going to suffer. This position was upgraded considerably this offseason with Tatum Bell (trade) and T.J. Duckett (free agent) brought in to challenge for PT and provide depth.

So IMO, all three areas of the offense - passing, blocking and running - have been upgraded this offseason. A better passing game will open up the running game, a better running game will improve our defense (on the field less = more rested and less chances for mistake) and a more effective, balanced passing game and running attack will improve our blocking game (teams can't tee off on the QB in an all out pass rush).




I am very pleased with the way you present the Lions and their situation. You temper your enthusiasm with some realism. You list a bunch of variables for the upcoming season which, if true, can make a difference. I won't say anything negative, but instead I'll hope for the best because of your diligence...................

I am very pleased with the way you present the Lions and their situation. You temper your enthusiasm with some realism. You list a bunch of variables for the upcoming season which, if true, can make a difference. I won't say anything negative, but instead I'll hope for the best because of your diligence...................

Hey thanks Nemo. :thumb[1]:

Us Lions fans need to stick together! :grouphug:

Hey thanks Nemo. :thumb[1]:

Us Lions fans need to stick together! :grouphug:Ain't it weird after all these years? :frusty: ;)

Nemo is a class dude that I know from the Detnews forums. I'm super happy he came over here. There are only a handful of folks on the Lions Talk that aren't on a Kool-Aid drip courtesy of Allen Park.

It's great we've got a few more people talking Lions football, for better or worse. Who knows, maybe they will surprise us this season. :nerd2:

:) Nemo is a class dude that I know from the Detnews forums. I'm super happy he came over here. There are only a handful of folks on the Lions Talk that aren't on a Kool-Aid drip courtesy of Allen Park.

It's great we've got a few more people talking Lions football, for better or worse. Who knows, maybe they will surprise us this season. :nerd2:


Thanks, I looked forward to joining here. Detnews forum became a tough place to be if you weren't loving the Lions all the time........
I've been away from there since the draft...........................
I'll go back just before the season begins to see the predictions.....

I'd just love to see a breakout season by the Blue and Silver.........
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

I would be so happy with a 9-7 season with a first round playoff embarrassment. Baby steps.

You get the feeling the Lions will light it up this season.

At the end of every game, I get the feeling the Lions lit it up (weed) before they came out to play.

At the end of every game, I get the feeling the Lions lit it up (weed) before they came out to play.


Actually, the "Pound The Rock" mantra of the Lions refers to a "bowl shaped" rock in the Lion's locker room. Before each game, they toss in about a pound of weed and light it. Beats watching the game film.....

You know, I am hoping for the improvements and a good year from Lions, but I'm still skeptical after all these years of garbage thrown by the team. Can they be any good this year? Who knows, only time will tell whether CJ will be good on this team.

Defense is still soft up the middle and to the outside and over the top.

Defense is still soft up the middle and to the outside and over the top.

Don't forget underneath and in the other team's backfield.

About the only place this D isn't weak is on the bench. So hopefully our O can keep them there this year and not falter in the redzone. They'd better, considering we spent our first 2 picks on offense yet again.

Millen/Lions just don't get it, Defense wins.

Millen/Lions just don't get it, Defense wins.

I agree with you that most of the time it does, but there are also some exceptions. Just ask the Colts who beat the Bears last year.

All that ace card stuff is BS if you can't give the QB that extra .5 sec. of blocking to get the pass off with accurracy.
Lions M/O for the last 30 years is to draft offense. They never learn.

Lions M/O for the last 30 years is to draft offense. They never learn.

And to hire coaches/GMs who's last names start with the letter "M". :nerd2:

My last name is Mason so I give them a push on that. My sisters name is Mary.
Matt Millen, he's so nutz about that. It's a wonder he doesn't draft players with M starting last names.

It's a wonder he doesn't draft players with M starting last names.

Maybe that's why he loves WRs so much. He just turns the W around in his head to get an M.

Brilliant work Sherlock, I think you've got it.

Maybe that's why he loves WRs so much. He just turns the W around in his head to get an M.

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

He can't turn the "M" around cause the "W" stands for WINS...................Something Millen is not familiar with.........

He can't turn the "M" around cause the "W" stands for WINS...................Something Millen is not familiar with.........

That's another good one.
:pound::pound::pound::pound::pound: