Chiefs draft a thumper: Reactions to picking Nico Johnson, Alabama linebacker

The Kansas City Chiefs used their fourth round pick (No. 99 overall) on Alabama linebacker Nico Johnson. This is the Chiefs first pick that fills a clear area of need. Johnson is a multi-year starter for Alabama, who won the national championship last season. People are saying he's a "thumper". He also brings the inside linebacker nickname of "Johnson and Johnson". Read on for more reactions.

By Joel Thorman@JoelThorman Apr 27, 2013, 11:34am CDT

Congrats to the young buck Nico Johnson, hard work pays off. Lets Go!
— Derrick Johnson (@superdj56) April 27, 2013

Wow. Nico Johnson is an outstanding pick for a 3-4 MLB next to Derrick Johnson. Nice job there, Chiefs.
— Kevin Flaherty (@LonghornDigest) April 27, 2013

New #Chiefs LB Nico Johnson is a strong run defender who can hit a hole hard. Not a big playmaker. Two-down LB. Fills a big need.
— Christian Hardy (@CHardySports) April 27, 2013

Nico Johnson's a thumper. He'll take on blockers and is a good run stopper. I like the pick.
— NFL Guru (@ChiefsBeef) April 27, 2013

Love the Nico Johnson pick for the Chiefs. Very durable, experienced player w/ leadership ability that played on a dynamite Tide defense.
— Jon Blauvelt (@JonRBlauvelt) April 27, 2013

nico johnson is a great pick, hes going to be a starting middle linebacker in the nfl for a long time.
— Bobby Conlon (@Bobby_Conlon) April 27, 2013

Mel Kiper on Nico Johnson to the Chiefs: "Ideally suited to fit in to the 3-4 scheme. … He’s a battle tested performer."
— Alex Scarborough (@AlexS_ESPN) April 27, 2013

Alabama's Nico Johnson 99th overall pick to Chiefs. 33 of first 99 picks from the SEC #KCPICK
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 27, 2013

4 (99) #Chiefs ILB Nico Johnson: Highly physical best suited to 3-4 due to ability to take on, shed and "rassle" ballcarriers to the ground
— NFLDraftScout.com (@DraftScout) April 27, 2013

Love the Nico Johnson pick-another guy we talked about on Chiefs Live @kendallgammon will luv this pick too-downhill player-starting Mike?
— Mitch Holthus (@mitchholthus) April 27, 2013

Nico Johnson = DJs fullback.
— Jason Madson (@Jason_Madson) April 27, 2013

Nico Johnson will have degree next month (criminal justice), first of mom's 5 kids to graduate from college. #Chiefs #RollTide
— Dave Skretta (@APdaveskretta) April 27, 2013