Kevin Johnson NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Texans' Rookie

STRENGTHS
A smart, experienced, technically savvy cornerback with eye-opening explosive numbers, Kevin Johnson is NFL-ready in a zone or off-coverage scheme. Throughout the entire 2014 season—12 games—Johnson allowed just 24 catches. He has had at least 15 passes defensed in every season since 2012. He has the speed and footwork to catch up when beaten, and he uses his length well to compensate in phase. He has a second gear when accelerating and plays catch-up well if he loses ground. Johnson is balanced, smooth and is a natural athlete who cannot be classified as a workout warrior. He is twitchy, confident and has the best footwork of the cornerback class.

WEAKNESSES
Johnson has a long, slight frame (especially in his lower body) and had to add weight before the combine to get to 188 pounds. He wasn't asked to play in press coverage at Wake Forest and hasn't shown the ability to play physically at the line of scrimmage. Johnson did improve in man coverage in 2014, but he can get tripped up in transitions and doesn't have great play strength. He may be scheme-limited to zone coverage, especially early in his career. He gets handsy and was flagged often in his career. The biggest knock on Johnson will be his ability to maintain his play weight. He can't afford to get under 180 pounds again.

2014 STATISTICS
Tackles            Passes Defended           Interceptions
44                               6                                    1

PRO COMPARISON: Casey Hayward, Green Bay Packers
Johnson has the tools to be a stud zone coverage cornerback with the hands and technique to make big plays. That's exactly who Casey Hayward has become.

FINAL GRADE: 6.50/9.00 (Rookie Starter)