Position: CB
School: Wake Forrest
Measurements: 6’0”, 188 lbs. 31 inch arms, 8 3/8 inch hands
Collegiate Stats: 41 career starts, 189 career tackles, 38 career passes defended, and seven career interceptions.
Combine Measurements: 4.52 second 40-yard dash, 41 ½ inch vertical jump, 3.89 second shuttle run, and 6.79 second three-cone drill.
Collegiate Awards: second-team All-ACC in 2014, and honorable mention All-ACC in 2012
Analysis: Kevin Johnson is one of the only players to come out of Wake Forrest who is a legitimate NFL prospect. He’s one of the top corners in this draft, especially in press man coverage. Johnson is very athletic which allows him to recover and makes plays even when he is initially beaten down the field, something that is occasionally a problem. He’s very competitive and is willing to cover the best receiver on the field. He lacks the weight needed to play in the NFL, but there is no doubt he is talented and athletic enough to cover NFL receivers. Because of his thin frame he could have trouble defending the run at this level, but he showed in college he’s not afraid to make the big hit. His technique against the rush was less than desired at the collegiate level. That will need to be something he works on at the next level. He’ll need to add some weight so he can defend big and physical receivers.
Bottom Line: Johnson will be able to start immediately for the Houston Texans, and could become one of the more stable corners in the league down the road. This was a huge need for Houston as they have to deal with Andrew Luck twice in the division. This is another great addition to a Texans defense that is loaded with talent. There is still some work defending the run, but he will immediately be capable of covering NFL receivers with his athleticism and ability to pick up and defend routs.