Cleveland Browns sign sixth-round draft pick Malcolm Johnson
By Thomas Moore
Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Malcolm Johnson (6) hangs onto the ball Auburn Tigers defensive back Joshua Holsey (15) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns signed sixth-round draft pick Malcolm Johnson, the team announced on Tuesday.
Johnson was selected with the 195th overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.
While Johnson split time at receiver and tight end at Mississippi State, the Browns have him listed as a fullback on the current roster.
“I feel like I can be a big asset to the offense coming up this year just on offense, and special teams,” Johnson told the team’s website. “Basically (I’m) versatile and able to (play) more than one position so basically a tight end, fullback and H-back. That’s what I expressed to them I could do, and they’ll hold me accountable to that and I appreciate it.”
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A Second Team All-SEC selection in 2014, Johnson possesses a “strong, well-built frame and sticky hand to make tough grabs,” according to CBSSports.com, which also writes that, “given the expansion of passing attacks in the NFL, scouts are increasingly on the lookout for versatile pass-catchers who present tough matchups for defenders. Johnson, who has split time at receiver and tight end throughout his career and possesses good hands and a knack for the big play, is an intriguing option.”
Last season, Johnson caught 39 passes for 391 yards and a pair of touchdowns. At 6-foot-1, 231-pounds he possesses above-average size and a compact frame.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson is a “versatile player who lined up all over the formation at Mississippi State, though spent most of his snaps inline. As a receiver, only four players caught a higher percentage of passes thrown his way and Johnson had at least 10 more targets than any of them without a single drop. Also fared well in screen and run blocking.”
Cooper is the fifth draft pick the Browns have signed, joining Xavier Cooper, Randall Telfer, Nate Orchard and Charles Gaines. First-round selection Danny Shelton has reportedly also signed a contract, although the club has not officially announced the signing.