In the late rounds, keep an eye out for Cornelius Johnson out of Michigan. 6'3", runs a 4.44/40, and is a nasty blocker. He needs to be coached up when it comes to route running, it seems, but he is worth a flier in the late rounds.
https://www.nfl.com/prospects/cornelius-johnson/32004a4f-4813-9638-ef0a-952ccb790dcc
Overview
Johnson was a three-year starter, with all three seasons including action in the College Football Playoff. He's a big, tough target who displayed improvement making the difficult catch in 2023. He has decent speed but is encumbered by ragged route running that fails to hit the mark with footwork or timing. Johnson's play strength and competitiveness can become a problem for smaller cornerbacks when the action heads down the field. He's a chippy run blocker with the potential to become a weapon as a perimeter blocker. Johnson's size and traits will be lauded, but he might need a simpler route tree to be at his best as a pro backup.
Strengths
- Very good size with plus athletic traits.
- Explosive leaper able to climb the ladder and grab tall throws.
- Brought in almost every contested catch in 2023.
- Catches into traffic and is a tough runner after the catch.
- LOVES to mix it up with defensive backs as chippy run blocker.
- Creates opportunities for explosive runs in his direction.
Weaknesses
- Routes are disheveled and lacking technique.
- Struggles to find the footwork for beating coverage leverage.
- Very rounded and gradual getting out of his turns.
- Needs to locate the football sooner out of his breaks.
- Average hands with a few too many focus drops.