Length is always a coveted asset for defensive backs in the NFL. The Detroit Lions secondary could use some in the upcoming 2024 NFL draft, and they have checked out one of the longest DBs in the class, Isaiah Johnson of Syracuse.
At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Johnson brings a lot of length to the table. Per Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Lions met with Johnson at his pro day recently.
The length comes with a tradeoff with Johnson, one that likely limits his NFL role: speed. Johnson has an outstanding initial burst, but the speed fades quickly. His 40-yard dash started out with a blazing 1.55-second 10-yard split, but waned into a lousy 4.84 overall 40. The lack of long speed shows (though not to that dramatic extent) on Johnson’s film as an outside corner for Syracuse, too.
Because of his length, quick burst and strong tackling, Johnson is likely viewed as a safety in the NFL. The Lions do have some experience with a player like this already in Ifeatu Melifonwu, though “Iffy” had better playing speed. Like Johnson, Melifonwu played outside cornerback at Syracuse. It leads to inevitable comparisons with Detroit’s 2021 third-round pick, though Johnson typically is not projected to be selected before the 6th round.