S, Indiana
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 197 lbs
Class: Junior
Johnson was one of the breakout stars of the 2020 season. After playing a bit-part role for the Hoosiers over his first two seasons, he became a full-time starter as a junior. He finished the season by being voted as a First Team All-Big Ten member, the first Indiana safety to do so since 1996. Johnson now enters the draft, looking to be the team’s first defensive back drafted in over a decade.
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Strengths
During his time in Indiana, Johnson earned a reputation as a playmaker. Whilst he only developed into a full-time starter in 2020, his coverage numbers have been consistently impressive. Johnson allowed just a 52.3 per cent completion rate on his 44 career targets. He processes the game well and possesses great ball skills. Johnson logged seven career interceptions, including four in eight games in 2020. His 29.5 per cent forced incompletion rate ranks second behind only Andre Cisco in this year’s draft class. Johnson also allowed a passer rating of just 32.2 throughout his time at Indiana. For context, the passer rating for an incompletion is 39.6.
One of the things that teams will like about Johnson is his versatility. He is comfortable playing as a single high safety, but his best role in the NFL will likely be in a two-high scheme. He can also play in the slot, having done so for most of the 2019 season. Indiana often use him as their “husky” – a specialist defensive role that is a mixture of safety, corner, and linebacker. His versatility also extends to the pass rush and Johnson found real success as a blitzer. He finishes his collegiate career with four sacks and 11 pressures on just 33 career pass rushing snaps.
From an athletic perspective, Johnson has all of the tools to translate to the NFL. He has quick feet, fluid hips and excellent change of direction ability. This helped him to make a number of big plays on the ball this season. Whilst he might not have elite long speed, he has good short area quickness and the instincts to make up for it. At 6’1″ and 197 lbs, Johnson also has the size and length to play safety and corner at the next level.
Weaknesses
The biggest weakness to Johnson’s game is his tackling. He had a 26.5 per cent missed tackle rate in 2020, the highest of any draft eligible safety. This is mainly caused by his poor tackling technique, and Johnson has a habit of throwing his shoulder at the ball carrier. There are far too many reps of Johnson getting his hands on a player and letting him slip away. The fact he is getting in the right place to make the play is encouraging, but he needs to be more reliable to have a long term future in the NFL.
His run defense could also do with some work. Once again, this is not due to a lack of tools, but rather his apparent unwillingness to engage. There are times on tape where Johnson looks a little hesitant and he needs to be more deliberate when taking on the ball carrier. He can also be reckless when it comes to his pursuit angles and this is a factor in his issues with tackling.
Bottom Line
As a prospect, Johnson is something of a mixed bag. He provides the coverage ability and positional versatility that teams want from a safety prospect these days. He processes the game well and has showcased some encouraging ball production. The same can’t be said for his tackling and run defense though, and these need to improve substantially if he is to become a starter in the NFL.
Big Board Rank: #44
Positional Rank: #3
