Detroit Lions: Is Kevin Johnson a first-round option?

The Detroit Lions need to add some talented youth to their secondary. If they decide to draft a cornerback in the first round, they should have a few options. Would Kevin Johnson be a good pick?

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The Lions ranked second in the NFL in total defense last year. Much of this was down to their number-one rush defense; the pass defense finished 13th in the league. It wasn’t bad, but it was the one factor preventing the Lions from having as dominant a defense as a team like the Seattle Seahawks.

The Lions were carved open by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Week 12. The Patriots didn’t run the ball with a whole lot of success, so they ensured the ball was in the hands of Brady. He threw for 349 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in a 34-9 Patriots victory.

In the NFC North decider in Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers, a limping Aaron Rodgers was still able to throw for 226 yards and two touchdowns. The Lions didn’t register a single sack on Rodgers, and the Packers won comfortably, 30-20.

The Lions’ strength in 2014 was their run-stopping up front. They have since lost the heart of their defensive line in Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, while C.J. Mosley remains a free agent. Haloti Ngata‘s arrival softens the blow, but the unit is unquestionably weaker than it was at the end of last season.

If general manager Martin Mayhew does indeed opt for a cornerback with the 23rd overall pick, would Wake Forest’s Johnson be a good move?

Wake CB Kevin Johnson's technique is about as good as it gets. That was fun to watch.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 15, 2015

Johnson has good height for the position (6’0″) but needs to bulk up his 188-pound frame. Assuming he does this, he would bring a lot of athleticism to the Lions’ secondary. He has the ability to disrupt routes and slow down receivers.

Nov 2, 2013; Syracuse, NY, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons cornerback

Kevin Johnson

(9) grabs the helmet of Syracuse Orange wide receiver Brisly Estime (20) on a tackle during the second quarter of a game at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Walter Cherepinsky of WalterFootball.com ranks Johnson as the third best cornerback in this year’s draft class. He wrote:

"“At the Combine, Johnson didn’t impress or hurt himself. He recorded 43 tackles with six passes broken up and one interception in 2014. Johnson is a good cover corner who needs to add weight for the NFL. He has length and athleticism to cover big receivers along the sideline.Johnson recorded 58 tackles with three interceptions and 12 passes broken up in 2013. He was an honorable mention All-ACC selection. As a sophomore, Johnson had 58 tackles with 15 passes broken up and three interceptions. He was ruled academically ineligible the year before.”"

With his raw ability, he could be ready to step up from day one for the Lions. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com noted that he ‘has athleticism and enough speed to recover when beaten’.

After some time to develop in Teryl Austin’s system, Johnson could become an excellent starting cornerback alongside Darius Slay in the future when 34-year-old Rashean Mathis is no longer a Lion.

Johnson has been a starting cornerback at Wake Forest for the past three years. Zierlein wrote that he “usually followed opponent’s best receiver around the field.” Experience in this area would help his case to start games right away for the Lions. Zierlein added:

"“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.”"

In the NFC North, the Lions’ secondary is under constant strain when playing divisional foes. The Packers bring Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Davante Adams to the party; the Vikings boast Mike Wallace and Cordarrelle Patterson, while the Bears have the size and strength of Alshon Jeffery.

The Lions’ secondary overachieved last season, but for the overall defense to become dominant in the NFL, it needs to improve even more. Mayhew may look to address more pressing needs with the 23rd overall pick such as defensive tackle or running back, but cornerback has become a premier position in the NFL. You can’t afford to be thin at corner, especially in the NFC North.

Johnson has been rising up draft boards, but if he is available for the Lions in the first round, they may have themselves a Week 1 starter in 2015.

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