Houston Texans coaches didn’t get a chance to see the players at all during the offseason because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the NFL’s response to shutting down the offseason program.
New defensive coordinator didn’t get to see second-year cornerback Lonnie Johnson until training camp, and when he did, he knew the former second-round pick was solemn about improving as a defensive back.
“Lonnie came in here — he’s what, 6’1, 220 pounds and he looks like a WILL linebacker, but he still moves like a corner,” Weaver said. “That alone has showed me that he is motivated.”
Johnson finished his rookie season with 41 tackles and seven pass breakups through 14 games, seven of which he started. In the playoffs, the former Kentucky Wildcat returned a blocked punt for a 10-yard touchdown in the AFC divisional playoffs versus the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, Johnson was toasted in that game, which he started, as the Chiefs rallied from 24-0 down to outscore Houston 51-7 in one of the more ignominious playoff losses of the decade.
Johnson isn’t letting the experience drag him down.
Texans corner @Lonnie30johnson pic.twitter.com/pJydx6n2YG
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 20, 2020
“He’s motivated to come in and prove why he was a second-round pick and to this point he’s done nothing but show us that on the football field,” said Weaver. “It’s awesome just to see that growth and maturation in him and I can’t wait to see all of things that he’s going to do this year for us.”
The Texans have two cornerbacks in Bradley Roby and Gareon Conley who should figure to start. However, the NFL is a passing league, and defenses need to have a full cupboard of cornerbacks who can cover and make an impact on defense. Johnson has demonstrated throughout the offseason and training camp that he intends to be a big part of the Texans’ pass defense in 2020.
