(Editor's Note: Heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, held April 30-May 2, DallasCowboys.com will take a closer look at the prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson).
Name:Kevin Johnson
Position:Cornerback
College: Wake Forest
Height/Weight:6-0 / 188
Age:22
Honors: Johnson's reputation as a shut-down corner earned plenty of respect in 2014, not only from opposing quarterbacks who rarely tested him, but by the league's coaches and media who voted him a first-team All-ACC cornerback despite only one interception as a senior.
Key stat:Johnson played 46 games during his career at Wake Forest, picking off seven passes, including three each as a sophomore and junior.
Where He's Projected:Johnson has been ranked as high as a late-first-round pick but it's starting to look like he's a solid second-rounder. But after Michigan State's Trae Waynes, Johnson could be the No. 2 cornerback on most teams' big boards, so that might help him get drafted higher depending on team needs.
How He Helps the Cowboys:With the uncertainty of both Morris Claiborne's readiness for the season and Brandon Carr's contract situation, the Cowboys could use any cornerback who can step in and play. Johnson seems to fit that description and with his length, he'll be able to match up against some of the bigger receivers the Cowboys will face. Even if Claiborne comes back healthy for camp and Carr's contract is resolved to the point he is back on the team, the Cowboys could still use another young, talented cornerback on this defense.
Scout's Take:Outstanding playing speed and quickness. Can stay in position on his man across the field. Feet are quick. Can really accelerate. Reads well on the move. Can play all the routes, Will really drive on the out. Looks comfortable in his pedal . Very good reactionary athlete. Hips are loose which allows him to easily change directions. Had a 3.89 20 yard shuttle at the Combine which is rare. Plays with lateral quickness and agility. When he sees it – he goes. Can put his foot in the ground and drive. Nice body control. Never looks like he is in trouble. Plays with balance.
Really understands how to play the route. Would be hard pressed to find plays where he is out of position. Smooth in the way he moves. Matches up well against speed and quickness. Can play the ball in the air with his length. Can play up or back and handle the assignment. Doesn't give the receiver much room. Had an interception in the Clemson game. Don't see quarterbacks test him much. Is a drag down tackler. Will do his best to play off the block and get to the ball. Physically is not the biggest guy weight wise. With his athletic traits is always going to be in position to finish plays. Doesn't play the position up and down – very consistent in the way he goes about his job. Like him as the 2nd best cornerback in this draft behind Trae Waynes of Michigan State. -Bryan Broaddus
