2017 NFL Draft: Prospect Analysis: DB John Johnson

Name: John Johnson
Height: 6’0
Weight: 208lbs

Highlights: Click Here

Combine Stats:

40: 4.61 seconds
Bench Press: 14 Reps
Vertical: 37 inches (4th among Safeties)
Broad Jump: 119 inches (4th among Safeties)

Prospect Overview: Not seen by scouts as a physical safety, Johnson however is a talented defensive back who has the knack to find the ball and make a big play (as we saw in his game ending interception against Wake Forest this season). Scouts are concerned about his tackling, as he isn’t a hard hitter and seems to be more reactive than forceful when it comes to putting on a hit. Johnson will be popular with NFL teams as well as he has shown real talent on special teams, collecting over 30 tackles in the past two years.

Mike Loyko’s Draft Analysis: John Johnson has a lot of fans around the NFL. He went to the Senior Bowl in Mobile and had as good a week as any DB down there. Teams love the versatility he displayed in college playing CB, Safety, and Special Teams. While he won’t play corner in the NFL, his experience at the position has helped him develop strong coverage techniques and fundamentals. Johnson consistently shows solid ball skills and the ability to track and attack, breaking up a number of passes at the catch point. His slower than ideal 40 time has turned so teams off, but all his other athletic and agility numbers are good. He projects as a Coverage Safety and core Special Teams player in the NFL. I see him as similar player to the Patriots Duron Harmon. A guy that can be the #3 Safety in sub-packages, cover in the mid-final third, and play on Special Teams. Ultimately, I think he goes in the 4th round.

Make sure to check out Mike’s excellent draft analysis on his Twitter page @NEPD_Loyko or his work on NEPatriotsDraft.com