Our rookie scouting reports combine film and analytics to provide the best possible predictions for player performance. With the 2023 NFL Draft right around the corner, let’s take a look at the scouting report for Virginia cornerback Anthony Johnson.
Anthony Johnson NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Cornerback
- School: Virginia
- Year: Sixth-year Senior
Johnson was a three-star recruit out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep High School in Hollywood, Florida. From early in the recruiting process, Johnson had his sights set on Louisville. He received one other offer but chose to play college football at Louisville.
After redshirting his entire freshman year, Johnson got into games the following season. He appeared in seven contests, playing 237 snaps and recording 14 total tackles with one interception.
In 2019, Johnson’s playing time increased again. He appeared in 12 games, registering stats in nine of them. Johnson finished with 27 total tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
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Johnson’s fourth collegiate season was marred by COVID. Still, he got into nine games but played just 119 snaps, down from 480 the year before. He notched just two total tackles with no interceptions.
Rather than end his college career on what was a terrible fourth season, having completed his four years at Louisville, Johnson elected to transfer to Virginia. He saw the most playing time of his career, appearing in 12 games and playing 777 snaps. He totaled 44 tackles and three interceptions.
After one year at Virginia, Johnson chose to exercise his extra year of COVID eligibility, returning to school for a sixth year. In his final season, he posted similar numbers to his previous outing, recording 51 total tackles and two interceptions.
Overall, Johnson finished his college career with 94 solo tackles, 44 assisted tackles, nine tackles for loss, seven interceptions, and 30 passes defended.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Anthony Johnson
Strengths: Louisville transfer who displays a lot of next-level ability. Fluid flipping his hips in transition, strong, and physically beats receivers down to defend passes. Easily runs downfield with opponents, plays to his 40 time — if not faster — and has a solid closing burst.
Quickly picks up assignments in zone, fires to the ball out of his plant, and gives effort defending the run. Displayed a lot of ability during three days of Senior Bowl practice.
Weaknesses: Slow reacting to receivers’ moves off the line, which puts him a half-step behind opponents. Does more hitting than wrap-up tackling. Slow getting his head back around to locate the pass in the air.
Overall: Johnson is a physically impressive DB with long arms and next-level size and ball skills. He possesses a lot of upside, but often looks like he’s more athlete than football player. Johnson has enough ability to start in dime packages, then, hopefully, develop into a third cornerback on a roster.
Anthony Johnson Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 205 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 5/8″
- Hand Size: 8 5/8″
- Bench Press: 15
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.63
Virginia CB Anthony Johnson Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Johnson ranked 184th overall and is projected to go in the fifth or sixth round. With a 3.39 grade, he is Pauline’s CB26 in this class.
It’s been an unconventional road for Johnson. The best NFL prospects are typically early declares. Johnson spent six years in college. It goes without saying that doesn’t bode well for his NFL prospects.
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College production is the most predictive indicator of NFL success. Johnson’s Louisville stats did not even remotely resemble a guy that could make the NFL. He made a wise decision to transfer and play at least another year.
At Virginia, Johnson played well enough to improve his draft stock to the point where he’s likely to be drafted. But it’s hard enough for Day 3 picks to succeed. As a sixth-year senior, Johnson has everything working against him.
Johnson will at least get a chance to prove his worth to an NFL team. His ceiling is likely that of a rotational depth player. Merely making a roster should be considered a success for him.