After three weeks of preseason play, Pro Football Focus unveiled their top-25 rookies thus far. The Houston Texans made not one, but two appearances on the list.
Cornerback Lonnie Johnson ranks at 21st on the list; if not for a shaky performance Week 1, he would be far high considering his impressive outing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.
In his two games of play, Johnson has forced three incompletions in six targets. Against the Cowboys, he earned an elite 91.7 grade. His performance earned him a nod in their team of the week, as allowed one reception for nine yards on 29 snaps; in the process, accumulating a 39.6 passer rating when targeted.
“At 6-foot-2, 213 pounds, Johnson Jr. is the definition of a long cornerback with a ton of potential and one to keep an eye on throughout this 2019 season,” said PFF’s Anthony Treash.
Though impressive, Johnson’s preseason doesn’t compare to fellow rookie Albert Huggins. The undrafted interior defensive lineman out of Clemson ranks at fifth for all rookies, by PFF’s metric.
Huggin’s has recorded four run stops and six pressures in three weeks of play; making an impact in all aspects. He’s recorded back-to-back games tallying at least an 80.0 grade and stands in with an average of 87.7. As Treash says, “Huggins’ future in Houston seems to be bright.”
