FINDING THE HIDDEN GEM
Bouye might be the best corner set to hit the market but he’s far from the only good one. Play at that position was a big reason why the Bears delivered a franchise-low 11 takeaways in 2016. Vic Fangio can’t be expected to run the kind of defense he wants without guys who can provide consistent coverage on the outside. One name that hasn’t really gotten much attention of late is Trumaine Johnson.
The 27-year old received the franchise tag last season from the Los Angeles Rams. Most would assume that was meant as a temporary move in order to sign a long-term extension. Especially after they lost Janoris Jenkins to free agency. However, a change to the coaching staff seems to have opened up the possibility that Johnson may hit the open market as well.
Miscommunications that occurred in the Los Angeles front office last free agency could end up hurting them again this season pic.twitter.com/T7PCkgqkRJ
— Bleacher Report NFL (@BR_NFL) February 3, 2017
Johnson, like the rest of the Rams defense went through a regression this past year. He finished with one interception and 57 tackles. The year before though he delivered 71 tackles and seven interceptions. At 6’2″ he has imposing size and seems to have the desired athleticism of a cornerback who can play press coverage. In fact his scouting report from his draft profile alluded to that much.
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“Johnson is a lanky defender who has the athletic ability to stay in a receiver’s hip and make plays. He uses his arms effectively in press coverage and jabs receivers to interrupt their routes and timing within the offense. He understands when to react in zone and possesses the long speed to take risks there and still recover. He is good at reading the receiver’s hips, reacting to their drop and quickly making a play on the ball. He is a very effective tackler and imposing athlete at the position.”
Risk-Reward
It’s unclear why he would be a bad fit for Wade Phillips in Los Angeles but by the sound of things he’s exactly what the Bears are looking for. Vic Fangio loves bigger defensive backs, particularly at cornerback. That’s a big reason why the team drafted Deiondre Hall last year. Johnson can match up with bigger receivers on the outside and has the ball skills the team is lacking to a severe degree.
He may not be the lock down star every team pines for, but he’s is a solid all-around corner who is an upgrade over anything the team currently has. A Chicago Bears Trumaine Johnson jersey would look pretty good this coming September.
