LSU Tigers running back John Emery Jr. (4) and Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Jardin Gilbert (20) and defensive back Antonio Johnson (27) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Antonio Johnson S Texas A&M | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Antonio Johnson S Texas A&M
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Zone Free Safety | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 04/21/2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.52 seconds (67%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 23.1 DOB: 10/29/2001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Zone Free Safety | |
| Last Updated: 04/21/2023 | |
| Draft Year: 2023 | |
| 40 time: 4.52 seconds (67%*) | |
| Age: 23.1 DOB: 10/29/2001 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 87.1 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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79% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 80.9 | |
| Tackling: |
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78% |
| Run Defense: |
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92% |
| Coverage: |
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89% |
| Zone: |
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82% |
| Man/Press: |
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87% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
2nd - Early
Overall Rank:
#35
Position rank:
#8
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| College Games: 27 College Snaps: 1541 | ||
ESPN RATING: 82/100
College Combine Results
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OVR Rank:
#211
Pos Rank:
#12
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 97/100
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| Ovr Rank: #47 Pos Rank: #2 | ||
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RIVALS RATING: 6.0 (98%)
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Drafted: ROUND: 5 - Pick Number: 160 (JAX)
Draft Profile: Bio
Antonio Johnson attended East St. Louis High School where he played both ways as WR and DB and was rated a 4-star prospect by 247 Sports with a scout's rating of 0.960. Following high school and being heavily recruited, Johnson opted to join Texas A&M.In 2020 as a freshman Johnson was forced into early action due to injuries and saw action in 6 games and played a total of 159 snaps at cornerback for the Aggies. He recorded 12 tackles, one assist, while adding 6 stops. In coverage, Johnson made no interceptions, and a hada disappointing QB rating when targetted of 144.6.
As a sophomore in 2021 he dominated as he played in 12 games and logged 800 snaps for the Aggies. He made solid 58 tackles, 18 assists, and had 26 stops. In coverage he totaled one pass breakup, one interception, and an impressive QB rating when targetted of 71.2.
In 2022 as a junior Johnson played in 9 games and contributed on 582 snaps. He chalked up solid 55 tackles, 16 assists, and added 28 stops. In the secondary Johnson forced no pass breakups, no interceptions, and gave up QB rating when targetted of 91.2. He also logged 7 total pressures, and one sack on the year
Honors & awards
- Was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week and Lott IMPACT Trophy Player of the Week honors after recording 13 tackles in the win against Arkansas
- 2021: First-team All-American (PFF)
- 2021: Second-team All-SEC (Associated Press)
- 2021: Defensive Playmaker Award and Mr. Dependable Skill Award at team banquet
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Has the change-of-direction ability to mirror underneath but did solid work out of the press and off coverage.
- Has excellent ball skills, tracking the ball effectively and instinctively taking the right route to break up the play. Johnson has the strong hands and coordination to come down with interceptions.
- Very smart player who is a student of the game. Knows what to look for in coverage and could be a coach on the field
- Can play in the box (more than 25% of his snaps) and is a tough reliable tackler who knows how to wrap up
- Tracks the ball well downfield and has the innate feel for high-point passes. He’s willing to come up and fill against the run and seems to take pride in delivering violent hits in run support.
- Exceptionally quick for his size (6-3), with the feet and fluidity to mirror underneath, including in the slot against the two-way go. Johnson stays low in his backpedal and explodes toward the ball, with an outstanding closing burst.
- He’s a willing and capable hitter in run support and closes fast to make plays against quick screens.
- Can track the ball downfield and gets his head around when playing in a trail position, and Johnson shows excellent ball skills when breaking on a route. He’s a plus tackler in run support as well.
- Quicker than he is fast but has a burst to close in zone coverage and plays physical at the line in man.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Despite his size, he’s not an overly physical tackler. Johnson will have to add some weight at the next level in order to become more physical.
- Has only average long speed and body flexibility and plays a bit high - he also isn't as smooth in space, especially in the deep zone
- Isn’t great in route recognition when he’s facing the action, is hesitant and susceptible to double moves, and too often gets unnecessarily handsy when playing trail position
- Will need help if forced to cover wide receivers deep - where his deep coverage abilities are a little suspect
Scouting Report: Summary
Antonio Johnson is a quality pro prospect who has excellent overall athletic ability, good speed, and tackles like a linebacker. He'll need to put on some weight especially if he'll be playing his best position of strong safety where he may flourish in a hybrid safety linebacker role. Expect Johnson to be taken in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.Antonio Johnson percentiles vs other Safetys (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
Antonio Johnson Video Review
How other scouting services rate Antonio Johnson (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
54.5
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
16.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.