2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Isaiah Johnson, CB, Syracuse

Isaiah Johnson is a good-sized corner and good athlete for Syracuse. Hula Bowl scout Justyce Gordon breaks him down as an NFL Prospect in his report.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Isaiah Johnson, #3
School (Code)	Syracuse University (NYSY)
DOB, Class Yr	3/29/2000, 6^th Year Senior
Height, Weight	6030e, 205 lbs.
40 Yd Dash	4.58e
Position/Depth	CB
Honors/Captainship	2022 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll in both semesters.
Season Viewed (yr)	2023
Games Watched	Clemson, North Carolina & Pittsburgh
Scout Name / Date	Justyce Gordon, 12-01-23

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	53 total tackles, 1 PD & 1 Int in 13 games (6 starts)
2021	55 total tackles, 6 PD’s, 1 Int and 2.5 TFL in 9 games
2020	Covid
2019	3 tackles & 8 stops in just 2 games
2018	7 total tackles

Player Summary:

Isaiah Johnson is a 6^th year senior at Syracuse University as he’s spent the last 2 years at Syracuse and his first 4 collegiate seasons at Dartmouth. Injuries and the canceled 2020 season due to Covid have hindered his ability to make an impact on the field early in his career, but he’s really come on these past few seasons at Syracuse. Johnson possesses elite height/length along with elite frame & build and is also a good athlete for his position. He displays overall good technique at LOS as he shows very good technique in Off-Man and good technique in Bail coverage. In Man Johnson shows very good ability to match/mirror opponents and good route rec ability, and in Zone he shows good match/mirror and very good route rec ability to play QB’s eyes. Johnson can contribute in run support as well, he shows good ability to both leverage runs as well as good tackling ability around LOS and in space. Johnson’s Press ability in Man is average at best, he fails to use his length to get physical at LOS and he’s a bit impatience vs releases and tends to bite on double moves off snap. Johnson’s click-close speed is average as well, he’s tight-hipped and a bit slow when changing direction in open field. He possesses adequate ball skills in coverage as well, he struggles getting his head around downfield and locating the ball in coverage, can be late timing PBU’s & vulnerable to PI calls because of that.

Scheme Fit:

Man-Zone Hybrid defensive scheme.

Power Statement:

Isaiah Johnson’s physical traits will have many coaches and scouts very interested, but beyond that he’s a very well-rounded corner that can contribute in both phases on defense. He’s built like a Man-to-Man corner but right now he has a better feel for Zone with his instincts & ability to contribute better playing with play in front of him. Johnson will need time to grow at the next level, but with time, if he can continue to develop, Johnson has all the abilities to become a quality starter at the next level.