Why Ex-Rams Scout Was 'Pounding the Table' For John Johnson
Former Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson may not have been the flashiest player in L.A., but he made some very noticeable contributions in his time in Southern California.
A third-round pick in 2017, Johnson spent the first four seasons of his career in the City of Angels. Johnson started 48 games in his time with the Rams, recording 350 tackles, 32 passes defended and eight interceptions. The Boston College product had some big moments of his own too, most notably making a key interception in overtime of the 2019 NFC Championship Game against the New Orleans Saints.
Not everyone saw the potential in Johnson right away, but former Rams director of college scouting Brad Holmes certainly did. In an appearance on "The Season with Peter Schrager," the current Detroit Lions general manager recalled how he pushed for the Rams to draft Johnson back in 2017.
"No one’s standing out, it’s kind of just static," Holmes said. "And everyone’s just kind of staring at it and I just said, ‘John Johnson. Let’s just pick John Johnson.’ I’ll never forget Wade Phillips, he looks over and says, ‘John Johnson?’ I said, ‘I’m telling you, this guy’s a starter. He’s a starter.’ And so Wade Phillips, I love Wade Phillips, he’s just like, ‘Oh, if he’s a starter then.’ I just kept pounding the table for John Johnson. I said, ‘I’m telling you, John Johnson.’”
Holmes also recalled how his role within the organization changed after this moment. He had been with the Rams organization since 2003 and became the director of college scouting in 2013, but his recommendation of Johnson marked a realization for him.
"I’ll never forget, that was the moment I felt I had a voice," Holmes said. "And I think it was a needed voice because everyone was new. Had a whole new coaching staff, we did just a lot of change and makeover there.”
Johnson left the Rams during the 2021 offseason, signing a three-year deal with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns released him in March to create cap space and he is currently still a free agent, but rumors of him signing elsewhere have been swirling throughout the offseason.
Holmes was instrumental for the Rams' scouting department for many years, playing a key role in the drafting of stars such as defensive tackle Aaron Donald and receiver Cooper Kupp. However, it seems that the selection of Johnson still holds a special place in his heart.
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