Draft Scouting Report:
Rating: 74.19 (Chance to start)
Pro Comparison: Ifeatu Melifonwu
Summary:
Anthony Johnson is a great teammate who is well-liked by the coaching staff. He also has the size and length that teams look for in NFL cornerbacks. Physical throughout the route with ball skills, Johnson flashed throughout the season and in the Senior Bowl. The biggest questions will be around his deep speed, and that could determine if his NFL future is at cornerback or safety.
Strengths:
- Long frame, can flip hips and run vertical routes
- Shows good change of direction coming downhill in run support
- Long frame means bigger catch radius for interception opportunities
- Zone corner who plays with eyes on QB and does good job reading and reacting
- Has length/instincts to make windows smaller for QB
- Shows ability to plaster bigger WRs on in-breaking routes/scramble drill
- Will stay in phase on vertical routes and use body to force WR out of bounds
Weaknesses:
- Needs to do a better job tackling in space
- Can struggle to get off perimeter blocks in run support
- Can sometimes try to jump routes and get burned
- Deep speed is a question
- A "hang-on" tackler, even vs. WR; needs to get better in that area
- Is his NFL future at safety?
Combine Results:
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.63
- Vertical: 30.5 inches
- Broad Jump: 9 feet, 8 inches
- 3-Cone Drill: 10 feet, 9 inches
- Shuttle Run: 15 reps
