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Isaiah Johnson Has Decent Chance To Make Detroit Lions’ Final Roster

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Isaiah Johnson Has Decent Chance to Make Detroit Lions' Final Roster

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

With OTAs beginning today for the Detroit Lions, several players will be given the opportunity to show what they can do for the first time. OTAs can be especially beneficial for undrafted free agents, who have to compete with somewhat of a chip on their shoulders. The Lions have had a few UDFAs make the team in recent years, including a couple who have become starters/contributors (Joseph Fauria and LaAdrian Waddle). One guy to keep an eye on this year is Isaiah Johnson.

Johnson is a product of Georgia Tech, where he was a three-year starting safety for the Yellow Jackets. He is the all-time leader in tackles for defensive backs at the school, amassing 283 in his career. He also recorded six interceptions during his college playing days. At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, he has good size as well.

Detroit is set at both safety positions, as incumbent starters Glover Quin and James Ihedigbo are both coming off of career years. Backups Don Carey and Isa Abdul-Quddus are also valuable members of the secondary. The competition at the position is fierce, but it wouldn’t be the first time Detroit carried five safeties after training camp. In fact, undrafted free agent safety Jerome Couplin initially made the team after final cuts last year. Also playing into Johnson’s favor is the fact that both Ihedigbo and Abdul-Quddus are entering the final year of their contracts.

Despite the depth at safety, Johnson will be able to showcase what he can do during OTAs — especially if Ihedigbo continues to miss workouts due to contract disputes. Johnson has a good chance of earning a spot on the depth chart due to his length, disciplined coverage skills and ability to read the eyes of quarterbacks. Areas where Johnson’s game lacks are in the speed and athleticism departments. He also missed the entire 2013 season due to a torn ACL.

Intelligence, demeanor and a great work ethic are all qualities that will help Johnson succeed. Speed and athleticism are not exactly abilities that can be coached, but there are ways to improve on them as a pro. His starting experience and physicality should help his chances as well. OTAs will be the first platform for head coach Jim Caldwell and company to see what he can do against both veteran and rookie players.

Something else working in Johnson’s favor is his uncanny connection with superstar wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Both players are from Tyrone, Ga., attended the same high school and college and are both currently members of the Lions. Perhaps Megatron can be a mentor of sorts to the younger Johnson – tips about the pro game from a player of the wideout’s caliber would obviously take his game to the next level.

A lot can change between now and what happens when the roster is cut down to 53 players in late summer, but right now Isaiah Johnson has a solid chance of making the team. Nothing is ever guaranteed with UDFAs, though. He will definitely need to perform at a high level throughout OTAs and training camp. If not with the Lions, Johnson is likely to find a job somewhere in the league.

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