Tag: Leonard Johnson

Leonard Johnson not expected to make Buccaneers roster

Buccaneers, Rookie Notes
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According to Patrick Southern of CBS Sports, undrafted free agent Leonard Johnson is not expected to make the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 53-man roster.

Johnson was initially projected as a potential Day 2 pick in the early stages of the draft process, but his stock plummeted after a poor showing at the combine. He remained one of the most physical defensive backs in the 2012 draft class, however, so it came as a surprise when he went undrafted. He will likely end up on the Bucs practice squad if he isn’t picked up by another team.

Leonard Johnson scouting report

Scouting Reports - 2012
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Leonard Johnson CB Iowa State #23
Ht: 5’10”
Wt: 196		  
Strengths:
Physical corner who doesn’t back down from any assignment. Likes to play up at the line and does a great job jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. Good all-around athlete; played quarterback in high school. Looks good in zone coverage; very patient and disciplined. Does a nice job getting his hands on the ball when in position to make a play. Has the size and strength to contribute in run support.
Weaknesses:
Needs to do a better job turning and locating the ball; has the skills to stay with a receiver, but consistently gets beat on jump balls because he’s too focused on mirroring the receiver and doesn’t turn to play the ball. Lack of height also hurts him in jump-ball situations. Run support is often just for show; gives just enough effort to get into the picture, but doesn’t consistently put forth the effort to shed blocks and make an impact play. Aggressive play leads to some penalties at times.
Comments:
If Johnson were two inches taller he may be a 1st-round pick, but his lack of height is just enough to drop him into the 2nd or 3rd round range. The one major concern I have with Johnson is his tendency to mirror the receiver until the last second. That, coupled with his physical style, is going to draw a lot of penalties in the NFL. However, it’s all about technique and it’s a very fixable issue.
Videos:
2011 vs Oklahoma State