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NFL Combine 2020: 3 DBs who could improve their draft stock

By Oliver Hodgkinson

PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 06: Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Utah Utes returns an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter of their NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 06: Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Utah Utes returns an interception 100 yards for a touchdown against the Stanford Cardinal during the second quarter of their NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 02: Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Utah Utes intercepts a Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies pass and returns it for a 39 yard for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Utah Utes top the Washington Huskies 33-28. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 02: Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Utah Utes intercepts a Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies pass and returns it for a 39 yard for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Utah Utes top the Washington Huskies 33-28. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

2. Jaylon Johnson, Utah

It seems bizarre to say that a player who is receiving first round buzz around the scouting community could help improve his stock further at the NFL Combine. However, there is a good chance that Jaylon Johnson solidifies that buzz in to a first-round selection during his week in Indianapolis.

Johnson has had a standout career at Utah, and the Utes were one of the best defenses in College Football in 2019. He showcased his ability to run with the best receivers in the Pac-12 and consistently made plays on the ball.

As a former basketball player at high school, you can expect him to excel in the vertical jump. He will be one of the top defensive backs in that drill and that will help showcase his ability to go up and make plays at the next level. I also expect him to put in a good showing during the defensive back drills on the field.

One thing that will be critical to his success at the NFL Combine will be his 40-yard dash time. Whilst he lacks the top end speed of a Troy Pride, Johnson has been training at EXOS in Arizona in order to improve. The facility helped players like Drue Tranquill deliver results in the 40 last year and parlay that into a solid draft pick.

Whilst the one field drills and athletic testing are important, the team interviews are a key part of the NFL Combine week. Johnson told me that he is most looking forward to letting teams know about him as a man, as well as showing what he can do as a player, at the NFL Combine.

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