Depends on if his shoulder has completely healed. Do the Steelers see something or just another camp arm?

Pittsburgh Steelers Futures Prospect Quarteback Jerrod Johnson Could Surprise in Training Camp
June 24th, 2012 at 11:12 PM
By Mark Mihalko
from: steelers101.com


When Pittsburgh Steelers fans look around the AFC North, they see a division full of teams with starting quarterbacks that are younger than the top three signal callers on the teams roster are. While this may be a good thing for 2012 as the Steelers look to compete for a Super Bowl, but there is definitely a need to find a young developmental quarterback.

With Ben Roethlisberger, Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch all over 30-years old, and Leftwich and Batch are only signed through the 2012 season; something for the future should be addressed. Evidently, the Steelers front office seem to understand this and have rolled the dice on two young quarterbacks former Baltimore Raven and Heisman Trophy Winner Troy Smith and one time undrafted rookie free agent Jerrod Johnson (Texas A&M).

While he may be a long shot for the opening day roster, Johnson is an interesting story, and a player, if healthy, he may have an advantage as he is Practice Squad eligible, and Smith is not. To get a true read on who Johnson is, a fan will have to go back and look a tape from the 2009 Texas A&M season. When viewing tape on the 6-5, 253-pound quarterback, it is easy to see how the shoulder injury affected him. In fact, he went from an All-Conference selection and fast riser as junior to playing in only seven games as a senior after undergoing shoulder surgery in March 2010.

Prior to the injury he was a gifted quarterback with a strong arm, mobility and pocket awareness. Yes, he did demonstrate some fundamental flaws and needed technique refinement, but he was a worker and seemed coachable. If he is recovered, you cannot overlook his natural skills and abilities. Sure, he may not make the active roster in 2012, but the team could keep him in their plans moving forward and showing the Steelers he is healthy could be a huge first step.

Excited to see this kid and REALLY pulling for him to make it.

Count me in the "We really need a young developmental QB AND SOON" department, thank you.

Respect Batch and Leftwich, but I'd love to see Johnson become someone like or better than T.J. Yates and down the road, maybe teams are offering us a very high draft choice for him.

Good problem to have.

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The Betty White Watch:

Still unwanted by 32 NFL teams.

Pretty good on NBC though!

Since he blew out his arm he hasn't really been able to
Impress much....here's hoping he gets better....if so he might
Make the PS...

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"......was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor ?....."

SteelerTilIDie: Steeler Einstein
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=23436

Johnson is a hell of a long shot to make even the PS. IMO

If either/both Batch and/or Leftwich get released Smith will be the next in line to take their place. Although Smith is barely 6' he has a good arm, is fairly accurate and has NFL experience.

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Honor the Fallen. http://www.militarytimes.com/valor/

Charlie has been a great guy to have on the PS roster, on the sidelines and in the locker room. He just seems way too "breakable." Hope the young guys can can earn a roster spot.

Johnson was the starting quarterback that moved Tanneyhill to Wr at Texas AM

He makes horrible decisions with the ball...Pre shoulder injury arm strength wise...Elite

He needed a ton of coaching...He can spin it...He is mobile enough...He is a massive dude.

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I agree Ben needs an understudy. I'm pulling for him as well, but it's gonna be tough for him. Has anyone signed Dixon yet? Just curious, haven't heard anything.

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"The Terrible Tahl is poised to strike!"

Dixon is still a free agent. But I don't think the Steelers want him. They are OK with Batch and Lefty this year.

Odds are, either Leftwich or Batch will end up gone for the year sooner, rather than later.

I hope this Johnson kid is an actual prospect.

We need him to be.

_________________


The Betty White Watch:

Still unwanted by 32 NFL teams.

Pretty good on NBC though!

JJ will get a decent amount of reps at camp, mop up time in preseason and end up on the practice squad. The Steelers are comfortable with Batch and Lefty as experienced backups. JJ needs to show something if he wants to be in the mix for next year and not be another Dixon. He needs a lot of work on technique, reading etc.