Former Utah Cornerback Jaylon Johnson Is A Premium NFL Player

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Utes cornerback Jaylon Johnson will likely get drafted late in the first round or early in the second round.

Former Utah and NFL quarterback Scott Mitchell thinks that Johnson is a premium NFL player.

“What’s great about Jaylon that he is a premium. Cornerbacks and cover cornerbacks are really good,” Mitchell said. “He is really good in press coverage.”

Mitchell joined KSL Sports’ Jeremiah Jensen on SportsBeat to break down Johnson’s film.

Star Coverage

One of the things that Mitchell pointed out on SportsBeat is that Johnson’s star coverage is tremendous.

“Star coverage is when you have a great defensive back who’s job is to cover the best wide receiver on the other team,” Mitchell said. “There are some good wide receivers in the Pac-12 and when you can do that (star coverage) with someone of Jaylon’s talent, it makes everything so much easier.”

It’s going to be a sight to see when we finally get free but until then working on all facets from A to Z! @NBAxJay1 @Wasserman @NFLDraft @BleacherReport @SportsCenter @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/HLYNsX77r5

— Johnny Johnson (@sweettfeett) April 7, 2020

Throughout the season Johnson has put the clamps down on some of the best wide receivers in the Pac-12 including two guys that will be getting drafted later this month in Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk and Oregon State wideout Isaiah Hodgins.

“He has this great ability with change of direction,” Mitchell stated. “You want a guy who can change direction.”

Cornerback With Speed

Another strong trait that Mitchell was impressed with when watching Johnson throughout the 2019 season was his speed.

“The other thing about him that is crazy good is his speed,” Mitchell mentioned. “He doesn’t just have breakaway speed but he has recovery speed.”

Another thing that is impressive about Johnson is his toughness.

“I’m the smartest corner in the draft on the field and off the field.”

🗣 Utah CB Jaylon Johnson pic.twitter.com/ps6dcVXBvX

— PFF (@PFF) April 3, 2020

“When you are a defensive back who is a press coverage guy that not only has good press skills but is tough, you really have something special. Those are some of those intangibles and he is a guy that just makes plays.”

The NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25. Check out the full video breakdown from Scott Mitchell on Jaylon Johnson at the top of this story.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.