Derrick Johnson goes to Kansas City Chiefs in 1st Round
By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor

NEW YORK - Former Waco Lion Derrick Johnson was selected as the 15th overall pick in the NFL Draft on Saturday by the Kansas City Chiefs. Named as the top available outside linebacker by several publications, Johnson ould be a part of the keys to help the Chiefs return to the top of the AFC West. Johnson will be joining a defense which now inclludes Patrick Surtain in the backfield and Eric Warfield.

Johnson was a finalist for the Bednarik Award (nation’s top defensive player), the Lombardi Award (nation’s top lineman) and the Lott Trophy (defensive player of the year) as a senior.

He was the only defensive player among the ten finalists for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and earned unanimous first-team All-American accolades.

He was also a unanimous selection as the Big Twelve Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Derrick was a Parade All-American and Class 5A All-State selection as a senior at Waco High School.

Johnson will be a welcome addition to a Chiefs defense that is currently rebuilding and reloading. Expect his leadership skills to be a key in the success of the Chiefs down the road.