Entering the 2007 NFL Draft, it was understood that Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson was far and away the top college prospect. Johnson was passed over by the Raiders at pick No. 1 for quarterback JaMarcus Russell (yikes), but wouldn’t have to wait long for his name to be called.
The Detroit Lions selected Johnson with pick No. 2. After nine seasons in the league, the former All-Pro WR abruptly retired after the Lions’ 2015 season with zero playoff victories.
While the man known as “Megatron” due to his freakish size and robotic personality was quiet about his retirement at the time, Johnson has since opened up about his playing career.
Speaking with former Lions teammate Glover Quin on his YouTube show “The DB Room,” Johnson, an Atlanta native, said he actually was hoping the Falcons drafted him that year.
“Leading up to the draft, I am like shoot — boy, I hope I go to Atlanta,” Johnson said. “Played my high school ball, played my college ball right here and then, playing in the NFL right here. That would be the best little thing ever.”
The Falcons chose DE Jamaal Anderson at pick No. 8, but the team would have been required to trade up to acquire Johnson. A few seasons later, though, Atlanta would make a trade for another receiver, adding All-Pro Julio Jones.
It’s safe to say it’s worked out okay. Still, it’s interesting to think what Johnson would have looked like in Falcons uniform. Watch Johnson’s full appearance on Quin’s show below:
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