Dallas Cowboys Draft Targets: 7 cornerbacks in 7 different rounds

Jaylon Johnson, Utah

Round Grade: Late 2nd/Early 3rd

Value: Correct

Percentage Available: 90%

Johnson was the best available cornerback for the second round in all ten trials. A.J. Terrell was available only on seven of the ten trials, hence not meeting the 80 percent threshold. Even with Johnson being the consolation prize here, he would still be a great addition to the team.

Standing at 6 foot and 193 pounds with 31 3/8 inch arms, Johnson has good size to him that Gladney lacks. As a result, Johnson is stronger when jamming and doesn’t get outmuscled by receivers at all.

Johnson’s ball production is not lacking either as he has recorded seven interceptions and 21 pass deflection in his three years with the Utes. At times Johnson will look like a first-round pick but his general inconsistencies push him down to 51, which is great news for the Cowboys.

The defense would add a tall and strong corner who is a better athlete than the tape showed. (Can be considered good as a refinement to his technique will help him use his athleticism to his full advantage.)

In man coverage, Johnson looks a bit hesitant. He’s quick to sit on his heels and it results in a slower movement. There are some questions surrounding his hip flexibility and his combine did little to dismiss those questions. He is good at using his length to disrupt receivers, but because he is fairly inconsistent at moving off the line of scrimmage, he can lose leverage on receivers he should otherwise be locking down.

In zone coverage, however, Johnson displays good instincts reading the quarterback’s eyes while also switching off assignments and pattern matching pretty well. Utah was very reliant on good corner play and Johnson with plenty of single-high safety looks and Johnson showed the ability to have range as a deeper zone defender.

Once again, he just needs to make sure he doesn’t lose track of his receiver behind him.