How Saints Anthony Johnson Could Beat Odds and Make Roster
New Orleans Saints safeties look like a talented and crowded group heading into the 2023-24 season. For the second straight offseason, there was a big shuffling at the position. Back are Tyrann Mathieu and Marcus Maye, despite disappointing results in their first year as starters with the team. Beyond Mathieu and Maye, two accomplished stars, there will be a fierce battle for spots on the depth chart.
J.T. Gray is back for his sixth year with the team, but he's primarily a special teams ace. Smoke Monday turned heads early as an undrafted rookie last year but went down with a season-ending injury. Veterans Lonnie Johnson, Jonathan Abram, and Ugo Amadi were free-agent additions this offseason, along with rookie fifth-round choice Jordan Howden.
It might seem like a crowded depth chart, but the Saints are looking for more big plays than they got from the position in 2022. With that in mind, don't rule out this undrafted rookie to push for a job.
CB/S - Anthony Johnson
Virginia
6'2", 205-Lbs.
Feb 2, 2023; Defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. of Virginia (41) breaks up a pass for wide receiver Rashee Rice of SMU (11) during Senior Bowl practice. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Johnson started his career at Louisville, where he had one interception and four pass breakups in limited action as a freshman in 2018. He'd intercept another pass, broke up six others, and forced three fumbles in more playing time for the Cardinal in 2019. His playing time drastically deceased in 2020, leading to a transfer from Louisville at the end of the year.
Johnson wound up staying in the ACC, landing with the University of Virginia. He was an immediate starter for the Cavaliers in 2021, leading the team with 3 interceptions. His 2 interceptions in 2022 again led Virginia, as he added career highs in tackles (51) and passes broken up (12).
A corner throughout college, Johnson may project to a safety in the NFL. He doesn't have the speed or fluid hips to stay with wideouts consistently as a corner. His backpedal and change-of-direction are tight, costing him a step in man coverage and leading to slower reaction time in off-ball coverage.
As a tackler, Johnson packs a punch but will have to show better fundamentals. Too many ball carriers have escaped because of his inability to wrap up and finish plays. If he does switch to safety, he'll have to hone his general instincts and show the ability to break down offensive schemes.
Johnson brings prototype size and versatility to the position. He's an experienced defender from five seasons in the ACC. While not an elite athlete, he's fast enough to be around the ball consistently. He combines that with a very aggressive motor in pursuing plays.
Johnson reads quarterbacks well in off-ball coverage, which would ease a transition to safety. He has the coverage skills to step into slot duties against extra receivers and has the size to match up with bigger wideouts and tight ends.
Possessing excellent awareness in zones, Johnson plays the ball like he's the intended receiver. He'll attack on running plays rather than let the action come to him and has the size to adequately play in the tackle box.
Feb 4, 2023; American defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. of Virginia (41) intercepts a pass in front of National wide receiver Jayden Reed of Michigan State (1) during the Senior Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
A playmaker with an aggressive demeanor, Johnson doesn't shy away from a challenge on the field. He can turn momentum with a bone-jarring hit or a game-changing interception. His strong zone instincts and ability to play both corner and safety are valuable assets to a defense.
Anthony Johnson has the versatility that New Orleans likes in their defensive backs. He'll have an uphill climb to make the roster and will have to turn heads on special teams. However, he has the playmaking ability that the Saints were missing at the position in 2022 to give him a chance to make a mark.
