In a recent mock draft from Mike Renner of CBS Sports, the Indianapolis Colts land one of the top cornerbacks in this year’s class.
At 14th overall, where the Colts are picking, Michigan’s Will Johnson fell into their lap. Here is what Renner had to say:
“Will Johnson’s turf toe injury drops him outside the top 10, but make no mistake: he’s still a top-10 talent,” wrote Renner. “He’s precisely what the Colts were missing all last season at corner: a reliable press cover man on the outside.”
Johnson has very good size, listed at 6-2 – 202 pounds. The aforementioned turf toe injury limited to only six games this past season.
However, over his three year playing career, Johnson has allowed a completion rate of only 53% at 13.4 yards per catch with excellent ball production, forcing nine interceptions and seven pass breakups. He’s also graded out well as a run defender by PFF’s metrics.
For the second offseason in a row, GM Chris Ballard was answering questions about the play of the secondary.
While there was some growth from Nick Cross, Jaylon Jones, and Samuel Womack, overall, the Colts still allowed the fifth-most yards per pass attempt, generated the four-fewest pass deflections, had the second-highest completion percentage, and allowed the 10th best opponent passer rating.
“We’ve got to get better,” said Ballard about the cornerback and safety positions.
