Overview Position: Cornerback Height: 6’2″ Weight: 207 pounds School: Kentucky Wildcats
Combine Performance Data 40-yard dash: 4.52 seconds Bench press: 15 reps Vertical jump: 38 inches Broad jump: 10 feet, 9 inches
Three-cone drill: 7.01 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.10 seconds
Lonnie Johnson 2019 NFL Draft Profile
Lonnie Johnson heads into the 2019 NFL Draft following a two-year career at Kentucky. The Gary, IN native played two seasons at Garden City Community College in Kansas. After sitting out the 2016 season to concentrate on academics he chose the Wildcats over Georgia and West Virginia. Coming out of junior college, Johnson ranked as the second-best safety in the nation by 247Sports. He had 35 tackles, five interceptions, and one fumble recovery.
During his two years at Kentucky, Johnson played in all 26 games with 18 starts. In his junior season, he recorded 41 tackles, one sack and five pass breakups. In addition, he blocked two kicks proving to be a valuable asset on special teams.
Johnson’s senior campaign saw him register 23 tackles, four pass breakups, and one interception. However, he saved his best game for last against Penn State in the Citrus Bowl. With one interception, four pass deflections and a forced fumble, Johnson helped lead Mark Stoops‘ squad to their first bowl win since 2009.
Strengths
- exceptional size for the cornerback position; –
- tracks the ball well in the air and has good hands to make a play;
- great physicality and power with his tackling;
- experience at both corner positions;
- valuable asset on special teams with his kick blocking ablilty.
Weaknesses
- lateral ability needs work, due partially to his height;
- lacks experience due to only two years of major college football ;
- a good but not great athlete;
- very limited production and didn’t make many impact plays;
- content to let receivers catch the ball in front of him.
NFL Comparison: Eli Apple
Teams With Need at Position: Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers
Projection: Second round
Bottom Line
While at Kentucky, Johnson got lost in the shuffle behind secondary mates Derrick Baity, Mike Edwards and Darius West. However, he had a strong week at the Senior Bowl which really enhanced his draft prospects. In fact, the Draft Network named him to their All-Senior Bowl team. While some draft projections have him as a late first round pick that seems just a little bit high.
Johnson’s size makes him very appealing to NFL scouts. However, when watching his tape there appear to be flaws. At times, he struggled in man coverage leaving him susceptible to getting beat by opposing receivers. On the other hand, he excelled in zone coverage playing the deep third of Kentucky’s cover three. Despite his overall struggles in man during his college career, he appeared more comfortable at the Senior Bowl. Johnson’s performance at the Combine, especially in the 40-yard dash, was impressive for a player his size. Based on his physical skills, he has a real chance to stick in the NFL if drafted by the right team.
