Buffalo Bills position room preview: Cornerback
By Avery Duncan
Designated slot cornerback: Taron Johnson
Alongside White and Wallace, Taron Johnson is the final piece to form a rather complete young nucleus of cornerbacks. Though, unlike White and Wallace, Johnson isn’t the team’s option at an outside corner; instead, he’s their savior at slot cornerback.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of Weber State, expectations for Johnson were low. When he hit the field as a pro, those lower expectations were blown out of the water as he proved to be the slot cornerback the Bills need. In 11 games (two starts), Johnson compiled a pick, three pass deflections, and 42 total tackles.
By week one of the 2018 season, Johnson was entrenched as the Bills’ starter at nickel cornerback. And deservingly so. Since his arrival in Buffalo, teammates have raved about Johnson’s “dog” mentality, as safety Jordan Poyer said;
"He’s a dog. He’s playing well. I tell him that all the time, ‘You’re a dog, keep playing well and things are going to fall in your favor.’ He made a hell of a play last week, and he’s been playing with a hurt shoulder. You can’t say enough about that guy."
Johnson isn’t the biggest or fastest cornerback around; he’s 5-foot-11 and ran a 4.5 second 40-yard-dash. But his playstyle is well-suited for what the Bills need. The Weber State product is cerebral, plays with a chip on his shoulder, and isn’t afraid to be physical. Considering that sub-package corners are essential to a strong defense, the Bills should be appreciative to have the position figured out.