I wasn't expecting them to take a CB (especially with Bud Dupree still on the board) but this is what the Houston Chronicle had to say about the newest Houston Texan:
Kevin Johnson is a Texan.
The 6-foot, 188-pound Wake Forest cornerback was selected as the No. 16 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft Thursday in Chicago.
Wide receiver DeVante Parker (No. 14, Miami) and running back Melvin Gordon (No. 15, San Diego) preceded Johnson. The Chargers traded up to take Gordon before the Texans made their choice.
Johnson’s selection follows the 2014 decision to make linebacker Jadeveon Clowney the No. 1 overall pick. The young corner is set to eventually replace veteran Johnathan Joseph, 31, in the secondary.
“Some coaches have told me that Johnson is the cleanest defensive back in this draft,” NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. “He can play inside and outside, press or off coverage. All the defensive back coaches I talk to talk about his feet … so quick. The only concern is his frame and durability. But this is a really good football player.”
Johnson ran the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds at the NFL scouting combine in February in Indianapolis. The Clarksville, Md., native recorded a 41.5-inch vertical and 130-inch broad jump. His wingspan measured 31 inches, while his hands were 8 3/8.
Johnson was a five-year senior at Wake Forest, starting 41 games while redshirting his sophomore year due to being academically ineligible.
Johnson totaled 44 tackles, one interception and one fumble recovery last season for the Deacons. He was projected as a late first round or early second round selection on some mock drafts.
The Texans re-signed cornerback Kareem Jackson this offseason. Joseph is entering the last year of his contract.
NFL.com’s scouting report on Johnson:
Strengths: Smooth hips with excellent balance. Very natural in man coverage. Has feet and discipline to play square and mirror against complex routes. Has low, controlled backpedal. Disruptive in press coverage — alters routes and slows receivers. Can easily transition laterally and has quick-twitch to break on throws in front of him. Flips hips and accelerates against vertical routes. Crowds wideouts on perimeter and constricts target area for deep boundary throws. Plays stronger than his listed weight. Has athleticism and enough speed to recover when beaten. Decisive player. Fights to disengage and support against the run. Willing to drop shoulder and lay lumber as zone defender. Usually followed opponent’s best receiver around the field.
Weaknesses: Has a lanky frame with a very thin lower body. Gets fooled by head fakes downfield and turned around too often. Late to turn and find ball at times. Missed too many tackles as senior. Thin frame a concern as NFL run supporter. Will show too much respect to deep speed and allow separation by receivers who slam on brakes and catch passes in front of him. Ejected from Louisville game for targeting. Flagged nine times for 132 yards over the last two seasons.
Draft Projection: Round 1 or 2
NFL Comparison: Sam Shields
Bottom Line: Johnson is a three-year starting cornerback who showed great improvement in man coverage from 2013 to 2014. While he lacks desired weight at the position, his cover skills, athleticism and competitiveness give him a shot to come in and start right away. Johnson can play gunner on special teams.
http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans...-of-nfl-draft/
