Leonard Johnson’s Pre-Combine Draft Stock
By Ross
It is never too early to talk about the NFL Draft. From now until the NFL Draft in April, I will give several updates on both Kelechi Osemele and Leonard Johnson’s draft status.
Leonard Johnson, despite his size, turned some heads the other week down at the Senior Bowl. Johnson gained praise from many NFL Draft analysts including a great deal from Mike Mayock. I think Johnson will be selected somewhere between the late second round to the fourth round. Remember, Johnson can improve his stock even more with a solid performance at the NFL Combine.
Mike Mayock, and NFL Draft guru that writes for NFL.com, has Leonard Johnson ranked as the 4th-best cornerback prospect, ahead of the likes of Dre Kirkpatrick and others. Mayock knows what he is talking about when it comes to defensive backs as he was one in the NFL.
NFLDraftScout.com ranks LJ 6th out out 257 other corners.
Tom Melton’s NFL Draft Blog puts Johnson fifth and this is what he had to say about his Senior Bowl performance:
"Leonard Johnson came into the week with a little hype and I think he lived up to it. He’s not a very good off-man corner, though he does have the ability to mirror receivers which impressed me, but his value comes as a press-man corner or perhaps in zone. I think he’s a top 100 player as well."
One of my favorite NFL Draft sites, NEPatriotsDraft.com, currently ranks Johnson 7th. The writer of NEPatriotsDraft.com was at the Oklahoma State-Iowa State game and was impressed with how Johnson handled Blackmon.
"– OSU WR Justin Blackmon told me Johnson was “the most physical corner I’ve faced this season” – Has excelled against the top competition and in big spots – Extremely confident, plays with little memory."