Houston Texans Draft Analysis: Grades and Impact for every player
By T.A. Mock
player. 10. Pick Analysis. Cornerback. 54. Scouting Report. Kentucky. Lonnie Johnson, Jr.
Grade: B
The Houston Texans secondary was truly abysmal in 2018. The pass rush was consistent yet quarterbacks were still able to consistently find open receivers to target even when lots of bodies around them in the pocket.
On top of that, they lost, arguably, their two best players in the secondary last year in free agency in Tyrann Mathieu and Kareem Jackson. Mathieu was a tough loss and the team wanted him back. They let Jackson walk indicating they think he is getting close to the end. So, they needed reinforcements even after the Tashaun Gipson, Bradly Roby, and Briean Boddy-Calhoun additions.
Lonnie Johnson Jr. fits the bill of what the Texans what to a T. He is big, long, and strong with tremendous athleticism. Houston has never really had a corner with these measurables which is a plus in and of itself.
Johnson still needs to continue to improve upon his technique and ball skills but the physical gifts are out of this world. He fits what Brian Gaine and Bill O’Brien want in new players, big and athletic. There were more refined players on the board but few that could match him physically, if any. This tweet by Lance Zierlein sums up Johnson:
The Lonnie Johnson I watched on tape did NOT look like the Lonnie Johnson I saw at the Senior Bowl. He was dominant at Senior Bowl which is why so many people (including me) pushed him up. It’s not always the tape.... it’s what a guy has the ability to be with more coaching/work
— Lance Zierlein (@LanceZierlein) April 27, 2019
Related Story. Lonnie Johnson is a raw talent that could truly dazzle. light
Impact: Third outside corner in year one, starter by year two
Fortunately for Johnson and the Houston Texans, he won’t be necessarily needed to come in and be a day one starter which can only be a boon to his future in the NFL. Johnathan Joseph and Roby project as the starters on the outside with Aaron Colvin in the fray on the outside as well as in the slot with Boddy-Calhoun.
So, he’ll likely be either the first or second corner off of the bench throughout his rookie season. Johnson should get eased into the system and eased into more responsibility as the season progresses.
However, will Joseph in the last year of his deal and Roby only on a one year deal, they need a young guy who can be a number one corner when presented the opportunity. Johnson is that guy, without a doubt.