Texans need Kevin Johnson to lead in 2017
By Jair Lopez
The time is now for cornerback Kevin Johnson to have a breakout season.
With the departure of cornerback A.J. Bouye this offseason to the Jacksonville Jaguars via free agency, Kevin Johnson needs to help prove that the Houston Texans can maintain the number one defense in the NFL.
Johnson is entering his third season in the NFL, but has been unable to play at a high level due to his nagging foot injuries.
The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon was a first round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. There’s pressure for Johnson to perform at a high level with other defensive backs thriving with their respective teams.
The 2015 NFL Draft boasted the likes of Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowl corner Marcus Peters, Dallas Cowboys defensive back Byron Jones, and Buffalo Bills cornerback Ronald Darby.
Johnson is on par with any starting cornerback in the league when healthy. He has the tools to be the number one cornerback on the Texans’ depth chart in 2017.
Johnson is a good athlete in coverage and has the eagerness to tackle. No one can argue about his instincts.
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Johnson was more of a play maker in his second season. He had a fumble recovery against the Chiefs, and had an impressive game against Indianapolis Colts where he led Houston with ten tackles.
Johnson will need to continue to improve his ball hawking skills, and force more turnovers heading into his third year. He was drafted with the purpose of becoming the Texans’ cornerback of the future.
After the upcoming season, Texans’ veteran cornerback Jonathan Joseph will become a free agent. Leaving only Johnson and Kareem Jackson as the only corners on Houston’s roster.
Johnson has shown that he can be an excellent cornerback when healthy, but he has to prove he can elevate his game to the next level.