Texas A&M DBs Jaylon Jones And Antonio Johnson Impress At NFL Scouting Combine

Antonio Johnson might have solidified his Day 1 draft status Friday at the NFL Combine.

Antonio Johnson said his versatility could separate him from other defensive backs in this year's draft class. Maybe so, but his numbers on Friday likely did enough to put him firmly in first-round conversations. 

Johnson, along with fellow Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Jaylon Jones, tested well during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Jones is projected to be an early Day 3 selection, while Johnson could hear his name called somewhere at the end of the first round. 

Jones measured in at 6-3 and weighed 200 pounds. He also showed off some of his explosiveness with a 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump. Jones also showed that while his size is a strength, speed could be a weakness after running a 4.57 40-time. 

A three-year starter for the Aggies, Jones' best season came in 2021 when he recorded a career-high 35 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass breakups. A multi-purpose defensive back, Jones said that he would be willing to transition to safety should a team ask him to switch following the draft. 

Johnson, who started two-and-half years at the nickel defender spot, showed why he could be more than a man up the middle at the next level. Grading out as one of the faster safeties in the class, Johnson posted a 4.52 40-time, ninth-fastest among his position. He finished with a 31-inch vertical and a 9-foot-8 broad jump. 

During the on-field workouts, both players looked smooth. Johnson handled transitions with ease coming out of his backpedal and working upfield. Jones, meanwhile, didn't drop a pass while working the gauntlet drill and displayed efficient footwork in position drills. 

Johnson said that while he only recorded one interception during his time in College Station, his ball skills were top-notched. On Friday, the 6-3, 224-pounder displayed those traits with two highlight grabs in backpedal drills and consistency during the gauntlet reps. 

"I’m a long, tall safety. That’s what you need in the secondary," Johnson said. "Someone you can keep on the field and not have to sub for packages.” 

Junior Devon Achane will test Sunday evening at the combine, along with other running back prospects. Achane, Jones, Johnson and several others will have a chance to test one more time at the Aggies' pro day on March 28. 

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