For Colorado State running back Gartrell Johnson, the fourth-round call from the San Diego Chargers came earlier than expected. For Colorado linebacker Brad Jones, the calls started in the fourth round but were false alarms until the Green Bay Packers came through with the ninth pick of the seventh round.
Johnson was barely settling in for the long wait when the Chargers surprised him. The 134th overall pick, he expected to go from the fifth to the seventh rounds.
San Diego’s offense has been defined by future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson.
“It’s just amazing. There’s no way I can explain it right now,” Johnson said, surrounded by the sound of friends and relatives celebrating. “I’m still in shock. I wasn’t planning going until at least the fifth.”
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. immediately intoned, “He’s a versatile player to add to the arsenal of the San Diego Chargers.”
Johnson is the highest Ram chosen since safety John Howell went to Tampa Bay in the fourth round of the 2001 draft. Johnson is the first CSU player drafted since Clint Oldenburg, now with the Broncos, was taken in the fifth round by New England in 2006.
Tomlinson, going into his ninth season, is coming off his fewest attempts (292) and yards rushing (1,110). He had a capable veteran backup in Darren Sproles.
“I’m just going in with an open mind,” Johnson said. “LaDainian is going to be in the Hall of Fame. He’s not done playing yet.”
Johnson, officially listed at 5-feet-10-1/4, 219 pounds, arrived as a short-yardage back at CSU and progressed to become one of the dominant players in the Mountain West. His stock rose with a 285-yard rushing game against Fresno State in his career finale, along with 90 yards receiving. His 375 combined rushing-receiving yards were the most in NCAA bowl-game history. He also went 554 touches without a fumble between his freshman and senior seasons.
With no Buffs invited to the NFL scouting combine, many expected CU to get shut out in the draft.
“It dragged out longer than I expected,” Jones said. “But I’m excited. They could have taken me as a free agent and I wouldn’t have cared.”
He said the Packers represented an ideal situation in a 3-4 defense. Jones expects to continue his college role rushing the passer, stopping the run on the edge and helping with coverage.
Also, Air Academy High School graduate Matthew Slauson, an offensive guard from Nebraska, went to the New York Jets in the sixth round.
CSU tight end Kory Sperry will join Johnson after signing as a free agent with the Chargers. CSU backup running back Kyle Bell signed a free-agent contract with Jacksonville, and Rams quarterback Billy Farris signed with Cincinnati.
Several other former players for Front Range schools were awaiting free-agent offers.
Natalie Meisler: 303-954-1295 or nmeisler@denverpost.com
