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Detroit Lions Meet with Cornerback at Syracuse Pro Day
Is Isaiah Johnson the right fit for the Detroit Lions secondary?
The Detroit Lions reportedly met with cornerback Isaiah Johnson at Syracuse's pro day.
Despite general manager Brad Holmes expressing the cornerback position was not an area of need after free agency, the team still is expected to draft a defensive back in this year's draft.
Johnson allowed a passer rating of 108.7 on passes thrown in his direction last season, as passers completed 31-of-54 passes thrown his way. He's a Michigan native who graduated from Detroit Country Day and began his college career at Dartmouth.
After graduating from Dartmouth in 2022, Johnson transferred to Syracuse for his final two seasons of college football. Johnson finished the 2023 campaign with a 78.1 Pro Football Focus coverage grade and an 83.3 tackling grade.
According to the Draft Network's Justin Melo, the 6-foot-3, 205-pound defensive back also had pro day meetings with the Titans and Steelers.
The talented defensive back revealed what teams have shared with him regarding his abilities and where he could end up playing early in his career.
According to Johnson, "There’s definitely been a little chatter about me potentially making the switch to safety. I personally see myself as a cornerback, but like you noted, I’ve played some safety as well. I’ve been versatile. I’m just a football player at the end of the day. It’s a topic that’s been brought up throughout my team meetings. I’m telling teams the same thing I’m telling you right now. I’ll play wherever they need me to play. I’m willing to step into that role."
The talented defensive back acknowledged some teams could have him play the safety position in the NFL, a decision he would welcome, due to his versatility.
"I definitely feel like I can make a successful transition to safety," said Johnson. "I can learn the position while performing at a high level. My prior experience with the position would help me acclimate."
The Lions traded for cornerback Carlton Davis and signed Amik Robertson in free agency. Kindle Vildor was brought back as a depth signing and is a role player the coaching staff wanted to bring back.
Detroit reportedly also has a pre-draft visit with Utah safety and running back Sione Vaki.
Head coach Dan Campbell expressed at the NFL meetings the team was still going to target safety this offseason.
“We're still going to look for safety help,” Campbell said. "That's not over, either. We know we need some, there again, to bring in some competition in that room. So our eyes are there.”
