Read & React: Takes proper angles on receivers coming over the middle or track down backs from behind. Good range in the back half due to his length and straight-line speed, but is not always there to help on deep throws. Also a slow step to react to misdirection and will overrun plays.
Man Coverage: Struggles in man coverage. He lacks the change-of-direction skills to stay with receivers with above-average agility or route-running ability. High and slow in backpedal. Does not have the fluid hips to transition.
Zone Coverage: Typical centerfielder, able to attack the ball when the play is in front of him or to his side. Will go shoulder-first to lay out receivers coming into his area. Has the height, length and vertical leap to get after jump balls in the end zone or break up high passes over the middle. Fast enough to trail receivers coming through his area and break up passes.
Closing/Recovery: Flies downhill to attack ballcarriers, but needs work recovering and tracking the ball when players get behind him. Has a burst to the ball when throws are made over the middle in cover-two. Able to read the quarterback's eyes and jump deep sideline routes when not playing off the line of scrimmage. Once beaten, he lacks the immediate acceleration to recover.
Run Support: Aggressive coming up against the run, able to cut or wrap up ballcarriers in space with his length. Ducks his head at times when trying to tackle in the flat. Not strong enough to take on and shed blocks inside the box.
Tackling: Long arms make it difficult for ballcarriers to escape his grasp, but he is not an explosive tackler. Will miss in the open field because he lacks great change-of-direction skills, and also tries to lay a shoulder instead of wrapping up. Offensive linemen can manhandle him when attacks at the second level because of his lack of strength.
Intangibles: Had a tough upbringing in South Central Los Angeles, and his father was murdered when Johnson was very young. Popular among his teammates and has an excellent work ethic.
