The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.
It’s well-documented that the Green Packers need help at the safety position. Thus far this offseason, Brian Gutekunst went out and signed former third-round Tarvarius Moore. He re-signed Rudy Ford and Dallin Leavitt.
Unfortunately for the Packers, the 2023 NFL Draft isn’t loaded with talented safeties ripe for the picking.
A player that Gutekunst could target in this thin safety class is Antonio Johnson. The Texas A&M defensive back checks in at No. 21 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Texas A&M DB Antonio Johnson is a stud
6'3, acceleration with excellent closing speed, +recognition/awareness – lived in the slot last year but think he can thrive in traditional safety role too pic.twitter.com/2PJe6w8ODU
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) August 17, 2022
A four-star recruit out of Illinois, Johnson broke out in 2021, when he recorded 79 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and five pass deflections. This past season Johnson recorded 71 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack. It’s worth noting that Johnson missed three games this past season while battling an injury.
“My takeaway is that AJ compiled all those stats, and was named first-team All-SEC with a team-leading three forced fumbles, despite missing three games due to injury,” Pete Hernandez, a contributor for Aggieswire.com said. “A&M didn’t give up too many big plays last year through the air, which was a result of the placement of the safeties and corners, and AJ played an impactful role. His length made it difficult to escape him on running plays and in coverage but he struggled a bit in 2022 when it came to yardage after the catch and tackling.”
Johnson is a versatile defensive back that spent most of his time at College Station playing in the slot, closer to the line of scrimmage. Over the past two seasons, Johnson logged 883 snaps in the slot.
“AJ has a passion and a knack for sticking his head into whatever is going on at the line of scrimmage, hence the plethora of highlights you’ll see of him blitzing the quarterback or meeting tailbacks head-on,” Hernandez said. “If you’re an NFL defensive coordinator that needs extra run support or wants to create additional pressure, AJ will be in your defensive package for sure.”
Johnson is at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage, where his length and physicality shine through. How will NFL teams view him? His size and versatility will appeal to teams in the upcoming draft as the importance for hybrid safeties continues to grow to be more important.
This week's @ShinerBeer's Shining Moment features Texas A&M DB Antonio Johnson delivering the BOOM 💣 and Aaron Hansford's scoop & score against Prairie View #GigEm pic.twitter.com/C9Y0SCa21W
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) November 24, 2021
“I do think he’ll play his best ball closer to the line of scrimmage, given his tenacity and knack for driving downhill and meeting the action where it’s at,” Hernandez said. “My first guess is that he’d succeed in year one playing more of the box safety role, but I wouldn’t overlook his ability to develop and play a little deeper in coverage.”
At 6-2, 198 pounds with good length, Johnson has impressive build for the position. With his length, Johnson has a wide tackle radius. He’s more than willing to mix it up and does a good job of weaving through the trash. He comes downhill quickly with long strides. When he arrives and is under control he strikes with pop.
Johnson will need to clean up his technique. When he arrives, he needs to do a better job of settling his feet and coming to balance. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson missed 13 tackles this past season.
“His size combined with the ability to not concede yards after contact is what makes him incredibly valuable for run support,” Hernandez said. “As the tape shows, he’s lined up as a slot corner, split zone safety, and sometimes even as a linebacker for the Aggies, but the fact that he’s aggressive in pursuit and physical when playing through contact makes him great in stopping the run.”
Johnson has the size to match up with tight ends in coverage. His length gives quarterbacks a small window to throw into. He’s quick-footed with adequate fluidity to flip and quickly change direction. During his limited reps playing deep, Johnson showed good range. According to PFF, Johnson gave up just one touchdown in coverage this past season.
“I do think this is the area that is typically the question mark for NFL scouts and draft analysts, and it’s the reason why in year one he’s most likely suited closer to the line of scrimmage,” Hernandez said. “His 4.52 40-yard dash at the combine may be misleading but he’s not necessarily as speedy as some other defensive backs. Would he be able to hold his own against quicker receivers over the top? I’m not too sure based on the tape alone, but he does possess good athleticism to confidently cover pass-catching tight ends and wideouts with average speed. He’ll also need to fine-tune his ability in tracking the ball downfield and tackling when in the open field.
Johnson logged 288 snaps on special teams during his three seasons at Texas A&M and recorded five tackles.
Fit with the Packers
The Packers have made minor moves already this offseason in an attempt to upgrade the safety position.
Despite it being a weak safety class, the 2023 NFL Draft will offer Gutekunst more opportunities to upgrade the position.
If Johnson were to land in Green Bay he could make an immediate impact on special teams, while giving Joe Barry a versatile defensive back that he could deploy in the slot or safety.
“AJ possesses good size and versatility, he’s physical and has a knack for tackling,” Hernandez said. “Most importantly his processing skills are a reason for NFL general managers to buy in. His ball skills could be improved and there remains the question of exactly what position he’s permanently suited at, but in the NFL where you constantly have the best receivers lining up at different spots or you have signal-callers moving around the pocket, AJ is the template for the new age slot corner that becoming increasingly valuable in today’s league.”
With his size, versatility, and the energy that he plays with, Johnson could be an attractive day-two target for the Packers as they search for upgrades at the safety position.
