*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Antonio Johnson Creating Big Buzz
Updated Aug. 17, 2022By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
In the passing-driven NFL, teams are always looking for difference-makers for the secondary, and they love hybrid defensive backs who hover between cornerback and safety. Players like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Tyrann Mathieu, Derwin James or Kyle Hamilton have become sought after Swiss Army knife coverage weapons. In speaking to team sources, NFL scouts are extremely excited and high on Texas A&M safety/cornerback Antonio Johnson. They feel Johnson is a special player and could end up being one of the top prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft.
“[Johnson] has big-time potential,” said a NFC director of player personnel. “He is an anomaly like Kyle Hamilton, and the question is, where do you play Antonio. He lined up in the slot, played well as a dime linebacker, was excellent as a safety, and you saw him cover Jameson Williams in man-to-man. He could be an outside corner, but he would be elite at safety. [Johnson] might be similar to Derwin James, but not as physical.”
Johnson broke out for the Aggies in 2021, recording 79 tackles, an interception, five passes defended and one sack. Team evaluators feel he played better than the stats indicate. “He is outstanding in all aspects,” texted an area scout.
NFL scouts had Johnson listed at 6-foot-3, 200-pounds on their preseason watch list, and that size should give the versatility to play cornerback or safety in the NFL. With Johnson’s flexibility and talent, he could end up being one of the most in-demand prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft.
