Kevin Johnson is a quick, 6’0 188lb athletic corner that started in all 36 games for Wake Forest the past 3 years. Tested very well at the combine:
- 4.52 40
- 41.5″ vertical
- 10’10 broad jump
- 6.89 3-cone drill
- 3.89 short shuttle (2nd fastest among all players)
To compare, these are the numbers of the other top corners in this draft class:
- Trae Waynes: 6’0 186lbs, 4.31 40, 38″ vert, 10’2 broad, 7.06 3-cone, 4.39 SS
- Marcus Peters: 6’0 197lbs, 4.53 40, 37.5″ vert, 10’1 broad, 7.08 3-cone, 4.08 SS
- Jalen Collins: 6’1 203lbs, 4.48 40, 36″ vert, 10’4 broad, 6.77 3-cone, 4.27 SS
So, based on measurables, Johnson looks to be the quickest and best leaper of the group. Johnson’s speed ranks right in the middle of the pack, coming in 15th out of the 29 corners that ran it at the combine. Although he has a thin frame at only 188lbs, he’s put on about 15lbs since last Spring so it’s safe to assume he could continue to add weight.
He’s a good open-field tackler; not afraid of contact but does get mauled a lot, could be a liability versus the run. Very good in coverage but can get overly aggressive and draw flags. Great hips, shows up in tape and in the drills at the combine, very fluid. Instinctive playmaker, shows a quick reaction and very good awareness.
22 years old, graduated December with a degree in communications. Unlike other prospects he is not a project; he can come in and contribute day 1.
For Dallas the need at corner is evident: epic bust Morris Claiborne is coming off knee surgery and in the final year of his rookie deal. Even if he’s retained, unless he makes a huge leap this year, I find it hard seeing him as more than a 3rd CB.
Meanwhile, Brandon Carr has been good, but nowhere near worthy of the 5-year $50M contract he signed in 2012. Carr is a potential cut if – as his agent claims – he refuses to accept a pay cut this offseason. Orlando Scandrick is a great #2 corner, but if Carr is lost then the need at CB has to become top priority for Dallas.
