Jaylon Johnson

Summary

Jaylon Johnson was selected in Round 2 (#50 Overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Utah. With the Utes, Johnson earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors (2019) and after totaling 123 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 21 passes defended. Since entering the NFL, Johnson has developed into one of the league’s premier cover corners, emerging as a true shutdown option on the outside. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 200+ career tackles, 10+ interceptions, 45+ passes defended, and consistently ranks near the top of the league in lowest completion percentage allowed among starting cornerbacks. Johnson earned Second-Team All-Pro honors (2023) and signed a long-term extension, cementing his status as a foundational defensive player.

Strengths

• Elite Man Coverage: Physical, patient corner who excels in press and off-man techniques. Thrives in one-on-one matchups and relishes top assignments.

• Route Anticipation: Reads receivers’ stems well and stays in phase through breaks. Understands route combinations and offensive tendencies.

• Ball Skills: Strong hands and timing at the catch point and consistently disrupts throws. Uses frame effectively to squeeze windows and contest catches.

• Physicality: Willing to challenge receivers at the line and compete through contact.

Weaknesses

• Top-End Speed: Not a true burner and can be tested vertically by elite speed threats. Smaller margin for error if initially beaten due to average recovery speed.

• Zone Coverage Impact: Solid but not as dynamic in off-zone as in man coverage.

• Turnover Volume: Elite cover corner but not a high-risk gambler for interceptions, opting instead for break ups.

• Durability History: Has dealt with minor injuries that required snap management.

Outlook

Johnson is ideally suited for man-oriented defensive schemes that value physicality, discipline, and trust in corners to handle isolation matchups. He thrives in systems that allow him to play press or match coverage, disrupt timing at the line, and stay attached through the route. His presence allows defensive coordinators to shade coverage away from his side and be more aggressive with pressure and disguise concepts. Johnson continues to project as a long-term CB1 and defensive cornerstone. While he may not lead the league in interceptions, his ability to erase top receivers and limit explosive plays makes him one of the most valuable defensive assets in today’s NFL. With continued health and consistency, Johnson should remain a Pro Bowl–caliber corner and a leader in any secondary, anchoring defenses built on toughness, accountability, and trust.