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New Orleans Saints add cornerback Marquis Johnson to the fold

Nakia Hogan, The Times-Picayune



Michael DeMocker / The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston (12) has a ball go off his helmet in the end zone as St.

In an effort to beef up competition for the backup cornerback position, the New Orleans Saints have added Marquis Johnson to roster, Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed Friday. Louis Rams defensive back Marquis Johnson (25) defends in the fourth quarter during the game between the St. Louis Rams and New Orleans Saints at the Edward Jones Dome on Oct. 30, 2011. Johnson on Friday joined the Saints.
Johnson, 5 feet 11 and 205 pounds, is a former 2010 seventh-round pick of the St. Louis Rams out of Alabama. In two seasons, he played in five games, totaling seven tackles. In three games last season, he had five tackles and defended three passes.
Johnson, who is familiar with Saints defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who drafted Johnson in St. Louis, likely will compete with second-year player Johnny Patrick and fifth-round draft pick Corey White for the backup cornerback spots behind starters Jabari Greer and Patrick Robinson.
At the moment, the Saints are still thin in experienced depth behind the starters. Veterans Tracy Porter and Leigh Torrence left this offseason in free agency.
While Johnson hasn't found his niche yet in the NFL, he was a key contributor to Alabama's defense his final two seasons, totaling 78 tackles, 22 pass breakups and three interceptions in 2008 and 2009.



New Orleans Saints add cornerback Marquis Johnson to the fold - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com


Marquis Johnson (DB)

Height:5'11"
Weight:192 lbs.
40 Time: 4.67


Positives: Provides a good initial pop to the receiver. Uses his hands well to knock the receiver off his route and leans into the receiver throughout the pattern, pushing him outside. Quick, active hands to knock away the ball. Can supply a physical hit and improved as an open field tackler in 2009. Experienced in man and run and zone coverage alignments.
Negatives: Moderate straight-line speed. Stiff. Struggles in his transition and tends to ride receivers with his hands, which could draw penalty flags in the NFL. Seems to locate the ball late and lacks ball skills. Likes to go for the big hit and too often fails to wrap up securely. Only one year of starting experience.

Marquis Johnson, Alabama, NFL Draft - CBSSports.com - NFLDraftScout.com


Immediate breakdown: Marquis Johnson to Rams in 7th rd #211 overall

His Game In The NFL
Teams that need depth at corner and recognize Nick Saban trusted Marquis to be on the field in critical situations will have Marquis on their board perhaps higher than what some would think. The coaching he received is a huge plus. Marquis is ultra-confident, competitive, has good ball skills, size and has long arms. Those traits, plus the NFL-style coaching and top level competition he faced in the SEC and beyond, as well as excellent special teams ability gives Marquis a great chance to stick and stay in the NFL.



Immediate breakdown: Marquis Johnson to Rams in 7th rd #211 overall - Birmingham Alabama Crimson Tide | Examiner.com

"We may have lost the game, but you'll be hurting tomorrow." Doug Atkins