The Green Bay Packers chosen Iowa protective back Anthony Johnson Jr. in the seventh round (No. 242 general) of the 2023 NFL draft.
Height: 6-0
Weight: 205
Age: 23
From: St. Petersburg, FL
Breakdown: Highly skilled, flexible protective back who began 4 seasons at corner priorto changing to security in 2022 and standingout on the backend. Can cover, takeon in area and fill versus the run however still findingout to do all 3 from the security area. Good variety. One of the most knowledgeable unique teamers in the class. Made 54 overall begins. Team captain, four-time All-Big12 Played snaps out broad, in the slot, in the box and as a deep split security. Produced veryfirst 2 chooses as a security in 2022.
Unpacking Future Packers: No. 33, Iowa State DB Anthony Johnson Jr
Brugler’s hunting report: “A five-year starter at Iowa State, Johnson played complimentary security in defensive organizer Jon Heacock’s 3-3-5 base plan, lining up mainly as a nickel in the slot. After 4 years at cornerback, he transitioned to a hybrid safety-nickel function as a incredibly senior and passed previous Texas quarterback Colt McCoy in the record books for the most profession begins (54) in Big 12 history. Johnson plays with matching variety in guy protection and versus the run and checksout ideas well in zone protection to fluidly work his location. The ball appears to discover him more than he discovers the ball, and he is still findingout the ins and outs as a real security. Overall, Johnson may not have a sky-high ceiling at the next level, however his character, experience and practical size/speed characteristics raise his flooring and will keep him making an NFL income. His videogame and journey are reminiscent of Rams’ 2019 seventh-rounder Nick Sco