2012 Possible Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Profile: CB/S Trumaine Johnson

As we return to the series, we will take a look at the first true "Big Nickel" candidate that has visited the Falcons. The "Big Nickel" position is a corner/safety/linebacker hybrid position that will play just as much as a third linebacker in the new defense under Mike Nolan.

Trumaine Johnson

Cornerback/Safety 

University of Montana

Combine Measurements

Height: 6'2". Weight: 204 pounds.  

Arm Length: 33-1/4". Hand Measurement: 9-3/8".

40 yard dash: 4.61 sec. 20 yard split: 2.71 sec. 10 yard split: 1.66 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.15 sec. 3-cone Drill: 7.20 sec. Bench Reps: 19 reps

Vertical Jump: 35.5" Broad Jump: 10'2"

Stats

2008 - 11 Games, 11 Games Started, 4 Interceptions

2009 - 11 Games, 11 Games Started, 5 Interceptions

2010 - 11 Games, 9 Games Started, 4 Interceptions, 0.5 Sacks, 2 Defensive Touchdowns

2011 - 12 Games, 12 Games Started, 2 Interceptions, 1.0 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble

Scouting Report

Strengths

Trumaine is extremely instinctive in the passing game and reacts very quickly to the ball and will quickly break off a route he is covering once a ball is thrown away from his man. Sets the edge well in the running game and can take on a blocker.

He breaks well on the ball in the air as well and will break up passes pretty easily. He diagnoses plays very well and attacks the ball in the running game. He also blitzes well off the edge and can be used in multiple positions on the field.

Weaknesses

He has a tendency to over-pursue in the running game sometimes and doesn’t always recognize the play actions well. He also doesn’t tackle well. He needs to improve his form and instead of going for big hits needs to worry more about wrapping up a tackle.

Overview

Johnson is an unpolished corner who can also play the safety position. He should be a good fit for the Falcons as a corner and safety depth player and will be a good fit as a nickel back and big nickel player, allowing versatility and disguise in the defense.

Johnson is also a four-year starter who has experience at a high level of play as someone who is on a team that is used to winning. Johnson also has had a run in with the law but it looks like something minor. However, that could be enough to take him off Thomas Dimitroff's board.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

Johnson is the ideal player for the big nickel. He can play both the corner and safety positions and is a solid but unspectacular tackler. He also reads the ball well in space and can turn on a ball quickly and get an interception.