The Green Bay Packers drafted Anthony Johnson in the seventh round (242nd overall pick) of the 2023 NFL Draft. With the safety position one filled with as many (if not more) question marks than the offense, there is a possibility that he could end up getting significant playing time on defense.
There is just one tiny problem: Johnson has only played safety for one season. During his introductory press conference, Johnson told reporters:
“I was going to try and go to the NFL as a corner. And I talked my head coach, Matt Campbell, and he came in and he’s like, ‘Hey, man, I think you’re going to play safety in the NFL. I talked to some scouts about it, as well, and they think the same thing. I want you to come back and I want you to play safety for us and I want you to lead this team.’”
Johnson had planned on leaving Iowa State after the 2021 season until his head coach told him like it is. He’s not a cornerback in the NFL. He’s a safety. So, he returned for one more year and started learning the position.
He’s still learning, but his position coach, Ryan Downard, is loving his progress.
Green Bay Packers Coach Ryan Downard Praises Anthony Johnson’s Progress
During the Packers’ offseason activities, Downard raved about how eager Johnson is to improve and learn the safety position:
“I just smile because he’s so youthful. He’s energetic. He’s got a playful personality about him. Extremely eager to learn. He hasn’t played the position a bunch, so there’s a lot of things we are teaching right now. But his athletic skill set is pretty darn good. He showed some things in the rookie minicamp, even in the drills with the vets. I like the way he is coming along.”
As of right now, Darnell Savage is the only safety that is guaranteed to be a starter. Rudy Ford started some games at safety for the Packers last year and had some good moments. Jonathan Owens started all 17 games at safety for the Houston Texans last year. Tarvarius Moore could push for a starting spot after leaving the San Francisco 49ers to sign with Green Bay.
Related: Green Bay Packers Post OTA’s 53-Man Roster Prediction
One would have to assume that one of the veterans who has been playing safety for years has the leg up in terms of winning the starting job opposite Savage. Then again, stranger things have happened. If Johnson can separate himself from the rest in training camp, anything can happen.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!