Anthony Johnson Jr., Iowa State, Safety

MEASURABLES/PRO DAY:

Height: 5'11.5"

Weight: 205lbs

40-yard dash: 4.54s

Vertical jump: 37.5"

Broad jump: 10'5"

Shuttle: 4.31s

3-cone: 7.07s

CAREER NOTES:

A former cornerback, Johnson started four games as a freshman for Iowa State after arriving as a three-star recruit. In his 12 appearances that season, he tallied 28 tackles and five pass breakups. In his second season, he tied for the team lead with 10 pass breakups, had 60 tackles, seven for loss, two sacks in 13 starts, earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors.

His 2020 season consisted of 40 tackles, two for loss, and five pass breakups in 12 starts, once again earning him honorable mention All-Big 12 honors. In 2021, his final season as a corner, he tallied 55 tackles, three for loss, four pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He made the move from corner to safety in 2022, starting all 12 games and had 60 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups, which earned him second-team all-conference recognition.

Johnson Jr. broke an Iowa State and Big 12 record with 54 career starts and finished his college career starting 53 consecutive games.
 

NFL SCOUTING REPORT:

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/anthony-johnson-jr/32004a4f-4878-9936-25b4-d6b1428e60fb

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Johnson Jr. clearly fills a need for Green Bay, whose safety position is in flux entering the 2023 season after the departure of Adrian Amos. He has the athleticism the Packers covet, earning an 8.13 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of a possible 10 compared to previously drafted safeties. In a class which produced underwhelming athletic testing almost across the board, that's a real plus. He'll have an opportunity to compete for reps as a rookie and has the talent to get on the field early.

COMMENTARY: 

As a former cornerback, Johnson Jr. is solid in coverage. In zone, he keeps his eyes on the quarterback and doesn't guess or overcommit one way or the other. As indicated by his athletic testing, Johnson Jr. moves well and is able to easily stop and change direction.

In run defense, Johnson Jr. shows an admirable disregard for his own body. He is eager to get downhill and involve himself in the play, smashing through blocks to get to the ball if necessary. The former Cyclone regularly showed the ability to fish through trash near the line of scrimmage to find the ball. He also put some nice wrap up tackles on tape.

Johnson Jr., was used in a deeper safety role and closer to the line of scrimmage, giving him the versatility to fill multiple roles for Green Bay.

There are too many instances on tape of Johnson Jr., missing tackles in spectacular fashion. He will dive at the ball carrier's feet, flying in like a missile but missing his target by a mile.

He is an older prospect, turning 24 in December.

Overall, Johnson Jr. has the athleticism, attitude and coverage ability, but he needs work as a tackler. He should not have been available in the seventh round, and would have made sense as early as round four for the Packers. This is a great value pick for Green Bay, who may have got themselves a solid starter without having to reach due to their need at the safety position.

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