Derrick Johnson ranks in the all-time elite tier for linebackers — a career that places Johnson in the top 3% of all players at the position. The Knox value model assigns Johnson a career score of 74, reflecting sustained impact that most players at the position never approach.
An all-time caliber linebacker (top 5% all-time) who combined elite production with reliable availability. Iron Legends define eras — they show up, every game, for years on end.
Worth 231 points of value above a freely-available replacement linebacker — top 7% of all 4,666 ranked at the position. 11 of 13 seasons cleared the replacement bar, by +21 on average.See board →
Seasons above replacement
Career Value · VORP
231 career value over replacement — #270 all-time of 4,666. 17.8/season above a replacement-level LB.
Pick #15 (Rd 1) · KC · 2005 · +16.9 vs expected KV-H
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Rate Derrick Johnson — All-Time
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11 seasons × ~21 surplus ≈ VORP 231
James Laurinaitis
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10 shared seasons · combined KV-H 1453