Chargers pick up former 1st rd DT Travis Johnson

[Gscottnc5]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2009/08/31/chargers-acquire-former-first-rounder-travis-johnson/

Chargers acquire former first-rounder Travis Johnson

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on August 31, 2009 2:48 PM ET

The Texans have made a habit of drafting defensive linemen in the first round.

Some have worked, notably Mario Williams.

More have not panned out, including Jason Babin and Travis Johnson, who the Texans gave up on Monday when they dealt him to the Chargers.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chargers gave up a sixth-round pick that will turn into a fifth-rounder if Johnson meets minimum playing time requirements.

Unlike Babin, Johnson has displayed starting-caliber skills at some points in his career. This deal seems like a good risk for San Diego. The Texans were just fed up with his inability to stay healthy and there have been whispers about his work ethic.

It's unclear if Johnson will play nose tackle or defensive end in San Diego's 3-4 scheme, although we'll guess that he is a reserve at end.

Any thoughts Guys?

[jasonluckydog]

I would have gave a 6th for him

[Proudiddy]

Wow. We could've dealt a 6th for him? I would have. Problem is, I don't think he fills the needs we have at DT. He's a leaner, pass-rush type guy, and he hasn't even been that good at doing that.

[SCP]

Right now, we should be looking at ANYONE and EVERYONE for d-line help.

[Sandy Claws]

Wow. We could've dealt a 6th for him? I would have. Problem is, I don't think he fills the needs we have at DT. He's a leaner, pass-rush type guy, and he hasn't even been that good at doing that.

There's more to the decision. We STILL have cap issues and he is making 1st round pick money. Unlikely we could fit him without a re-structure. Not worth the effort for a high risk. If we do that, we need to be more sure of the fit.

[Gscottnc5]

I don't know much about him, but I was just looking through PFtalk and saw it. Just getting peoples opinion's. 6th rounder seemed fair though just to give him an opportunity. He couldn't be any worse than Nick Hayden anywhere on the DLine

[scpanther22]

The Texans were fed up with Johnson's inability to practice, but they've just given up their most gifted run stopper. The compensation is minimal for a 27-year-old with starting talent, making the deal a steal for Bolts GM A.J. Smith. Johnson, the 16th overall pick in 2005, could play either end or the nose in San Diego's 3-4, where depth is needed behind aging NT Jamal Williams. Houston's run defense has struggled this preseason and now looks worse.

uggg

[Bones McCoy]

Hurney do SOMETHING, fug

[MadHatter]

The guy could not stay healthy. He was continuously not practicing and playing. He is no help if he is not consistently on the field.

[Cyberjag]

Let's see... underachieving injury-prone nose tackle on a team that's having problems stopping the run? How is this an upgrade over Nick Hayden again?

Patience, we'll get better in the next couple of days.

[R0CKnR0LLA]

The guy is a bust. Lazy, ineffective and can't stay healthy. And we'd have to pay him first round money. No thanks.

I know alot of you guys are going to complain everytime a DT gets scooped up by another team but we need to bring in someone that's starter quality and this guy isn't it. Sure, he might be better than Nick Hayden but that's not exactly a sparkling endorsement. He won't fill the void we have at DT, let's wait and get someone better.

[Gscottnc5]

The guy is a bust. Lazy, ineffective and can't stay healthy. And we'd have to pay him first round money. No thanks.

I know alot of you guys are going to complain everytime a DT gets scooped up by another team but we need to bring in someone that's starter quality and this guy isn't it. Sure, he might be better than Nick Hayden but that's not exactly a sparkling endorsement. He won't fill the void we have at DT, let's wait and get someone better.

Hey, I wasn't complaining. I have faith in Hurney and Fox. They have done a great job, IMO, and they are up to something. I just wanted suggestions. That's all.

Any way, I saw somewhere that by Saturday, 30% of current NFL preason roster will be cut. We'll find something in that I would hope

[Kurb]

A hurt player won't help us.

I assume that is why he isn't practicing.

[Boltergeist]

I believe Johnson was supposed to see action in the last PS game, and we'll see if he does for us against SF. Given that Cesaire, Bingham, and Martin have all been out for stretches of the PS, I'm hoping that's the case.