SB Nation's Steelers blog, Behind The Steel Curtain, interviews the University of Nevada's James Michael Johnson, an NFL Draft prospect at inside linebacker. He's projected as a later-round pick (NFL Draft Scout has him going in the fourth round), but he's worth watching for Steelers fans, particularly if they don't end up grabbing Dont'a Hightower or another linebacker in the first couple rounds. He seems very bright and confident. A couple highlights:
↵↵↵How would you compare yourself to the great ILBs in this class like Luke Kuechly and Donta Hightower?
↵I would not say I am better or worse but different. Luke is a great player as is Donta. But I feel I am a little something different and were all good but in terms of rating ourselves, I feel I’m one of the best, if not the best ILB in the draft.
↵What would you think about getting drafted by the Steelers?
↵I would love to play there. I would be blessed. I love their defenses and they have had some historic defenses and recently great defenses. If they want me to play in the black and yellow, it would be a blessing.
↵
Johnson also notes that he's the cousin of Raiders safety Jerome Boyd.
↵You can follow along with the latest news on the Steelers and the NFL Draft here.