NFL COMBINE REPORT: Jackets’ Johnson takes analyst’s rips in stride

Indianapolis —- Georgia Tech defensive end Michael Johnson brushed off the comments made by NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock questioning his consistency and desire.

“I’ll take it in stride,” Johnson said Sunday at the NFL scouting combine. “I’m here to showcase myself and just have fun, enjoy this whole experience. I love this game.”

Johnson plans to complete all of the combine drills and will use Mayock’s statements as motivation.

“Any negative energy is motivation and fuel,” Johnson said.

“It’s kind of funny, but I’m enjoying the process. I’m not worrying about it.”

Johnson holds no hard feelings toward Mayock.

Said Johnson: “He’s got a job, and I’m trying to get me one.”

Stafford’s target

If the Detroit Lions select former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, he would be throwing passes to former Georgia Tech standout Calvin Johnson.

“It would definitely be fun to throw to a guy like that,” Stafford said. “You can’t say it wouldn’t be. He’s an outstanding player, a huge target with speed and great hands.”

Stafford is not afraid of going to the Lions, who were 0-16 last season. “I’m a competitive person,” Stafford said. “I love a challenge, and no matter where I go, I’m definitely going to come in with the same attitude.”

Ready to sing

Oklahoma tackle George “Duke” Robinson of Washington High is going to catch some serious hazing from the veterans in training camp. Once they figure out that Robinson’s great-uncle is the legendary Smokey Robinson of Motown fame, he’ll be requested, no, make that required, to sing a few bars.

Robinson had better be ready to sing the Oklahoma fight song again and again.

“I’ve seen him,” Robinson said of his famous great-uncle. “I met him when I was a little kid. That was it.”

Allen not picky

Georgia cornerback Asher Allen of Tucker plans to complete the full combine workout. He hopes to impress the Falcons. “I would love to play in Atlanta,” Allen said. “I live 11 miles from the stadium. That would be great.”

High on Matthews

USC’s Clay Matthews, the son of the former Falcons player of the same name, is an outside linebacker prospect.

“I was too young to really understand and appreciate what my father was doing at the time,” Matthews said. “I think I was more interested in what food I was going to get at the game rather than watching him.”

Matthews’ dad played for the Falcons from 1994-96. He played the other 16 years with the Browns.