POSITIVES

—Has fluid hips that can open and run with ease.

—Has a physical demeanor that is disruptive and frustrating for receivers.

—Can play press or off coverage and has experience with the expected man and zone principles.

—Four-year contributor with 42 pass breakups.

—Understands target angles on receivers' hips downfield and can quickly recover in phase.

NEGATIVES

—Will not be able to play a boundary role routinely in the NFL.

—His timed speed (4.5 40-yard dash, 4.28 20-yard shuttle) and playing speed look underwhelming, and vertical threats will exploit them.

—His frame is bulked up at 5'11" and 192 pounds, and he won't be able to add any more mass.

—Overcompensates for his size by getting handsy and will draw flags against elusive receivers.

—Doesn't disengage from stalk blocks with intent and is too often willing to dance.

OVERALL

Taron Johnson looks penciled in to be a career slot nickel player who could carve out a solid contributing role with a team that utilizes zone coverages at intermediate levels. He has above-average awareness and instincts with the quickness to mirror early. Speed and size are concerns, but a team can mitigate those with good game-planning and in-game personnel management.

GRADE: 5.60 (Round 6)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: E.J. Gaines, Cleveland Browns