Last year, the Seattle Seahawks held a staring contest at the NFL combine with then-Texas punter Michael Dickson. While it was an unusual request it apparently worked, as Seattle traded up in the draft to snag Dickson and he ended up making the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.
Seattle has not indicated why they believe in subjecting potential draftees to staring contests, but it is apparently a continuing tradition – at least according to former Kentucky defensive back Lonnie Johnson.
Johnson said he was subjected to a staring contest for 15 seconds or so by a Seahawks staffer. Although he cannot remember who he was competing against, he did say that he won. So there’s that.
Johnson is a toolsy defensive back prospect, but poor technique is hurting his draft stock. The Seahawks have always loved long, athletic cornerbacks, and Johnson does fit the bill as a potential late round steal – something Seattle has hit on previously at that position.
If history truly does repeat itself, Johnson could be a Pro Bowl defensive back for Seattle next season.
