Duke Johnson, Kevin Johnson

Cornerback Kevin Johnson may not be the biggest or strongest cornerbacks, but his athleticism and technique routinely put him in position to make plays.

(AP File Photo)

Leading up to the 2015 NFL draft, MLive.com writers Justin Rogers and Kyle Meinke will preview prospects who could be a fit for the Detroit Lions.

Name: Kevin Johnson

Position: Cornerback

School: Wake Forest

Height: six-foot

Weight: 188 pounds

Projected round: Late first, early second

40-yard dash time: 4.52 seconds

Bench press reps: Didn't lift

Key stats: Despite a slight frame, Johnson didn't miss a game due to injury in four seasons at Wake Forest. He recorded 30 pass breakups and six interceptions during his sophomore and junior seasons, forcing quarterbacks to look a different direction last season. He only allowed 24 completions as a senior.

How he fits: Johnson isn't the biggest cornerback. He's definitely not the strongest. He's simply not the type of defensive back who will dominate a wide receiver off the line of scrimmage. But Johnson's footwork and technique are arguably the best in this draft class, consistently putting him in position to make plays on the ball.

Johnson dominated the scouting combine, particularly in the drills that measure explosion and change of direction, validating his reputation for being sticky in coverage. His film shows a player who reads routes well and breaks on the ball with exceptional quickness.

The Lions are set on the outside, at least for this season, assuming Darius Slay and Rashean Mathis hold up physically. Still, the team is in need of a long-term replacement for Mathis. The veteran, who essentially doubles as an extra defensive back coach, would be able to help fine tune Johnson's already sound technique.

In the meantime, Johnson has some experience playing the nickel and would provide the Lions with an upgrade over Bill Bentley and Nevin Lawson.

Quotable: "I can do it all. I can play off man, I can play zone, I can play press. I think I'm an all-around cornerback. I can do it all. I'm not limited in any way." -- Johnson on if he's a better in man or zone coverage

"Lean, athletic build and is a legitimate NFL athlete with natural cover skills. Very light on his feet, showing great quickness and fluidity to turn and run with receivers when in man coverage, as well as excellent downhill burst back to the ball for zone." -- Rob Rang, CBS Sports

"With his athletic traits is always going to be in position to finish plays. Doesn't play the position up and down - very consistent in the way he goes about his job. Like him as the 2nd best cornerback in this draft behind Trae Waynes of Michigan State." -- Bryan Broaddus, DallasCowboys.com, former NFL scout