PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He seems like the perfect player to draft and give him time to learn, and potentially work as a reserve and on special teams, before he becomes a starter. San Diego State corner Chris Johnson visited the Steelers on Tuesday.
NFL.com projects Johnson to be a plus starter, but it’s going to take a little time. Steelers just signed Jamel Dean to a three-year contract and Joey Porter, Junior is entering the final year of his rookie deal. Porter will be a priority, but whether it’s potentially replacing him or Dean, Johnson makes a lot of sense.
The 21-year-old is kind of like Porter in that he worked his way up, staying four years at the same school. His sophomore year was named San Diego State’s Special Teams Player of the Year, lauded for his tackling. By Johnson’s last season he had four interceptions and allowed only 18 completions for 185 yards. The 6’ corner was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year running a 4.4, 40-yard dash.
Related
Johnson can play inside or outside and plays with an edge. NFL.com lists his footwork, attack and confidence as attributes with issues at times with jump balls and average recovery speed.
Interesting note
His favorite athlete of all time is current Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey.