Washington Redskins 2013 NFL Draft Profile: Josh Johnson

Measurements: 5'9", 199lbs

Projected Round: 6

Why he would be a good Redskin:

He is not the biggest guy on the field, but may fight the hardest. He makes receivers earn everything they get, and was often asked by Purdue to match up against much taller receivers and tight ends in man coverage. He also showed a real ability to fight off blocks to make tackles on running plays and his special teams performances were typically stellar. He has good instincts and excels in the classroom as well, earning Big Ten All-Academic honors in 2011 and 2012.

Why he won’t get drafted by the Redskins:

His size is less than ideal. On top of that, he clocked in the slowest 40 time of all the cornerbacks at the Combine, setting a mark of 4.65. Even though he improved that time at his pro day, dipping into the high 4.4’s, his speed could be an issue against the faster receivers in the NFL. Also, his aggressiveness sometimes gets the best of him, leading to needless penalties.

Bottom Line:

You have to love this guy’s heart and smarts. He seems to carry a Napoleon-esque chip on his shoulder and brings the hustle on every play. His fearlessness is contagious and his leadership skills would add to an already solid locker room. The biggest question mark is whether these traits are enough to overcome the obvious physical shortcomings. As a football fan, it’s hard not to root for a guy like this.