Something to Prove: Kevin Johnson

The 2015 first round pick has immense potential, but needs to show himself to be more reliable in 2016.

Coming out of Wake Forest in the 2015 NFL Draft, lots of teams had their eyes on Kevin Johnson. They saw him as the next great cornerback, saying he was going to be a ball hawk at the next level. Teams raved about his coverage skills, his great catch up speed and his smooth movement in coverage.

However, teams did note that he can be overly aggressive at times, falling for double moves. They also saw his slight frame at 180 pounds being a concern in the run game. While he would go up and compete for jump balls, teams noted that at just 6′ he would be at a disadvantage against bigger receivers.

When the Texans selected Johnson, he was likely seen as the heir apparent to Johnathan Joseph. Joseph is now 32 and entering his 11th year in the league. Despite still playing at a high level, players in their 30’s could slow down quickly.

Joseph is still under contract through 2018. So with two more years left on his deal, worth $6.5 million each year, his role could change before the contract is up. Starting in 2017 Joseph could be moved to nickel if Johnson is ready to take over on the outside.

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Johnson played in all 16 games as a rookie, recording 54 total tackles. He made one interception, coming in the home win over the Titans. He racked up nine passes defended as a rookie with two coming against the Bengals.

Still, Johnson was overshadowed by Andre Hal as well as fellow starting corners Joseph and Kareem Jackson. Hal could be moved to safety this season to allow Johnson more time, but Johnson also has to step up to keep his third corner role or Hal could easily be slid back into covering the slot receiver in nickel situations. The path is there for Johnson–be the third corner this year and in a couple years be starting beside Jackson; but he has to make it happen.