Buffalo Bills: Re-grading each pick from the 2019 NFL Draft
Round 6, Pick 181: Jaquan Johnson
With their sixth-round pick, the Buffalo Bills selected cornerback Jaquan Johnson from the University of Miami.
During his time as a Hurricane, the Miami native appeared in 48 games, recording 139 total tackles and eight interceptions. His efforts earned him a nomination for the 2017 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award in his Junior season and an All-ACC second-team nod in his 2018 senior season.
Upon his arrival in Buffalo, Johnson was converted from his natural cornerback position to a safety. This was to ensure a better fit into the Bills scheme. During his rookie season, Johnson did not see much field due to the fact the Bills predominantly played in a “nickel” defense. In doing so, the team relied on strong safety, Jordan Poyer and free safety, Micah Hyde along with Taron Johnson who served as the starting nickel.
When he did see action, Johnson recorded seven solo tackles and an assisted on the year.
Entering his second season with the Bills now, it is highly unlikely that Johnson will cement himself as a starter but his selection was no fluke.
Buffalo needed volume at the defensive back position with the departure of Rafael Bush and Phillip Gaines which was the rationale for the selection of Johnson.