Positional ranking: #1

Big Board ranking: #23

 

Overview

Position: S

College: Miami

Class: Senior

Age: N/A (will be updated)

 

Measurables

Height: 5’10 1/8”

Weight: 191 lbs.

Arm length: 29 5/8”

Hand size: 8 3/4″

 

Athletic testing

40-yard dash: 4.69 sec.

Vertical jump: 33.0”

Broad jump: 121.0”

Bench press: 18 reps

3-cone drill: DNP

Short shuttle: DNP

 

Strengths

Field general with top-level football intelligence. Great instincts and awareness. Rangy centerfielder. Quick and decisive. Sees the play before it happens. Identifies route combinations. Does an excellent job reading the quarterbacks eyes and getting to the spot. Has a knack for creating turnovers. Attacks the ball to force fumbles. Plus ball skills. Smooth in space. Comfortable in the box and around the line of scrimmage. Good timing as a blitzer. Willing and effective tackler. Big hitter. Interchangeable at free safety or strong safety. Clearly does work in the film room. Team leader with desired intangibles.

 

Weaknesses

Range is based on play recognition more than pure speed. Arm length is below average. Shouldn’t be asked to consistently cover the slot in man-to-man coverage.

 

NFL comparison

Jamal Adams – I don’t feel completely comfortable comparing anyone to Ed Reed, but that was a consideration here based purely on Jaquan Johnson’s intellect and ability to create turnovers; instead, he compares favorably to Adams with similar intangibles, instincts, and athleticism as a leader on the backend.

 

Conclusion

Overall, Jaquan Johnson is an all-around safety that simply makes plays despite not being the biggest, fastest, or strongest player at his position. I think he’s worth a top-25 pick as arguably the most intelligent player in the draft, but it feels like this could be a Desmond King situation where he somehow falls to Day 3 and still becomes an All-Pro.