Dallas Draft Preview: Rashad Johnson

In the latest installment of our pre-draft look at some potential Cowboys’ selections, we get good and acquainted with Alabama safety Rashad Johnson.
 
Johnson is widely considered one of the two or three best safeties in the draft. After walking on at Alabama, Johnson earned a scholarship, matured under the tutelage of Nick Saban and became a two-year starter for the Tide and an integral part of the defense.
 
There is a good chance that Johnson could slide to Dallas in the second round, though the Saints, Broncos and Eagles have all shown interest as well.
 
The 21 year-old has great instincts. He is the playmaker type who recorded five interceptions in his senior season, and 11 over his career; he also recorded 216 tackles in his time with the Crimson Tide.
 
At 6 foot even, Johnson will need to bulk up somewhat to be truly effective in the league. However, Johnson has the instincts, and certainly the fire to be a consistent and effective defender on Sundays.
 
This enthusiasm can hinder as well as aid in a defender’s make-up, and Johnson is no different; he is given to over-pursuit at times, and missing tackles in an attempt to make the big hit.
 
Johnson also freelances a bit more than one would hope, and he is sometimes caught out of position.
 
This isn’t to say he’s not a smart football player, however; Johnson has been called a coach on the field with the potential to provide some leadership in the future. He certainly looks to be a center-field-type safety, something Dallas has gone without for years.
 
With Gerald Sensabaugh signed to a 1-year deal, Johnson could be groomed under him and provide some depth immediately.
 
Outside of a 2008 disorderly conduct arrest, Johnson seems to be a good kid ready to play on Sunday, and take his job very seriously.
 
Tomorrow, we look at Western Michigan’s Louis Delmas.