Chicago Bears: Top 5 must-have value prospects in 2019 NFL Draft
By Ryan Heckman
Cornerback Lonnie Johnson, Kentucky
Projected Round: 3rd
Every starting member of Kentucky’s secondary should find NFL homes for quite some time, and Lonnie Johnson may be the best of the bunch. He is one of those kids whom gets the term “upside” or “potential” thrown out about him quite often. At 6-foot-2, Johnson has ideal size as a pro cornerback and coaches could fall in love with his natural physical gifts.
More from Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Next Chicago Bears starting quarterback makes Bowl Game decision
- Chicago Bears appear in the hunt while on track for the first pick
- Chicago Bears: They are who we thought they were
- Chicago Bears Rumors: Kevin Warren to oversee football operations
At the Combine, Johnson ran his 40-yard dash in a respectable 4.52 seconds while showing out on both jumps — 38.0 inches on the vertical and 129.0 inches on the broad. He’s real smooth in and out of breaks, keeping with receivers, and moves his hips well. He shouldn’t have a problem keeping up with most receivers as a pro, but he’ll need to improve one key area.
The biggest knock on Johnson is his lack of ball skills. Over the last two seasons, Johnson has only managed one interception and nine pass breakups. While that’s not the end-all, be-all for Johnson, he’ll need to develop those skills as a pro. Fortunately, Pagano is known as a guru with defensive backs and Johnson would be in good hands.
He also wouldn’t have the pressure of coming in and starting. Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara have those spots locked down, but securing a guy like Johnson at no. 87 would provide depth at the position, and that’s important.