Possible NFL Landing Spots For Utah Utes CB Jaylon Johnson
Jan 24, 2020, 8:06 PM
(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The college football season is over, but the NFL Scouting Combine and Pro Day is upon us. One of the top draft prospects in the state of Utah is Utes cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Sitting in the month of January, a lot can change with the projections of the prospects because the combine and pro day play a big factor in whether the players’ draft stock rises or not.
Just from his time with the Utes, Johnson can fit in and contribute immediately with many NFL teams. Keep in mind that a lot of teams would benefit from having Johnson on their roster but certain teams have prioritized taking other positions in the early portion of the draft.
Commit Your Actions To The Lord And Your Plans Will Succeed – Proverbs 16:3 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/A8BVIy17hA
— Jaylon Johnson (@NBAxJay1) December 14, 2019
Denver Broncos
The Broncos are in the middle of a rebuild with their roster and one of the position groups that need significant improvement is the cornerback position. Chris Harris is one of the top corners in the league but the other side of the field is struggling. Johnson could come in right away and start in the Broncos secondary.
FOX Sports’ mock draft has the Broncos taking Johnson with the 15th overall pick in the draft.
Houston Texans
The Texans have a solid cornerback in Jonathan Joseph. But, at the right corner spot, they have a pending free agent in Bradley Roby. Houston can either re-sign Roby or take Johnson in the second round since they traded their first round pick.
Draftsite.com has the Texans doing that with the 58th overall pick.
Kansas City Chiefs
The AFC Champions will have a free agent corner this off-season in Bashaud Breeland. Also, Charvarius Ward is an undrafted free agent but could make the Chiefs’ decision easier to take Johnson in the draft rather than throwing more money at Breeland. The Chiefs will have either the 31st or 32nd pick in the first round and either the second to last pick or the last selection in the second round of the draft depending on if whether or not they win the Super Bowl.
Drafttek.com and Draftwire.com both have the Chiefs taking Johnson at the end of the second round.
It’s my job to make sure his hips turn smoother than a door knob! @NBAxJay1
Step 1️⃣High frequency stationary movements that reinforce the fluidity I want in the hips.
Step 2️⃣ Short controlled hip movements in your backpedal.
Step 3️⃣ Add a reaction component to your drill pic.twitter.com/XJdqBvQZlR— Johnny Johnson (@sweettfeett) January 18, 2020
Philadelphia Eagles
Ronald Darby has one year remaining on his current contract and Jalen Mills will become a free agent this off-season. That could open the door for Johnson to be taken by the Eagles as they look to improve their defense and get back to the Super Bowl. The Eagles will likely take an offensive skill position in the first round but could look to bolster their secondary in the second round.
Pro Football Focus has projected the Eagles taking Johnson in the first round with the 21st overall pick. Bleacher Report has Johnson heading to Philly in the second round with the 54th pick.
Indianapolis Colts
This will be more of a stretch but the Colts have more of a priority to take a quarterback early in the draft but Johnson would start for the Colts right away, but they have more important positions to use their early draft picks on.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars need to improve their defense after an impressive season a few years ago. Veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye has two years left on his contract with the opposite starter at corner being a two-year undrafted free agent.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins need improvements at almost every position, but some are higher priority than others. The two cornerback positions were occupied by first or second year undrafted free agents. In order for Johnson to be taken by the Dolphins, they will need to use one of their earlier draft picks.
New York Giants
The Giants drafted Deandre Baker in the first round of last year’s draft. They started a sixth rounder on the opposite corner position. This will be more of an unlikely destination but still possible.
For Johnson, the next couple of dates to watch for is the NFL Draft Combine from Sunday, February 23 to Monday, March 2. Also, Utah’s Pro Day will be sometime in March. The NFL Draft will be April 23-25 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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