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Johnathan Ford, S, Auburn: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Erik Lambert

Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers co-offensive coordinator Dameyune Craig (left) and defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) walk off the field after the game against the Idaho Vandals at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 56-34. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers co-offensive coordinator Dameyune Craig (left) and defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) walk off the field after the game against the Idaho Vandals at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 56-34. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers co-offensive coordinator Dameyune Craig (left) and defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) walk off the field after the game against the Idaho Vandals at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 56-34. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers co-offensive coordinator Dameyune Craig (left) and defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) walk off the field after the game against the Idaho Vandals at Jordan Hare Stadium. Auburn won 56-34. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2017 NFL draft is rich in starting safeties. Where and when does the scouting report say Johnathan Ford should end up going?

Position:  S

School:  Auburn

Year:  Senior

Height:  5’11”

Weight:  203 lbs

STRENGTHS:

  • Pretty athletic for a safety. Shows an ability to stick with a wide receiver down the field and provide good coverage. Indicates decent speed.
  • Shows a good instinct for blitzing. Times the snap well and shows zero hesitation in attacking the line of scrimmage, getting instant pressure.

In this game Ford showed much of what he does best, which is namely keeping plays in front of him and not allowing much of anything after the catch. His strengths are planting his foot in the ground and flying to the football. Kentucky tried to throw several underneath passes in his area but he rarely allowed them to go for much. To top it off he was present around the line of scrimmage as an extra body in short yardage. A downhill player in every sense.

  • He might actually be a better fit as a zone corner. His ability to stop-start and close on the football is impressive. Keeps everything in front of him.
  • Good at navigating the trash of the line of scrimmage and finding the football. Has been in on some solid stops for minimal running gains.

WEAKNESSES:

  • Ability to read and react to where the play is going is average at best. Seems late to a lot of plays and that results in big gains that could’ve been prevented.
  • Not overly explosive as a player. Seems somewhat passive in terms of his mentality. Not going full speed all the time, leading to other problems.
  • Lack of physicality is a problem. Been bull rushed a number of times by wide receivers on running plays and bigger backs have no issues shrugging him off.
  • Takes a lot of poor angles to the football and then compounds that with inefficient tackling technique. Sometimes seems hesitant to play fast.
  • Ball skills aren’t overly impressive. He had five total interceptions in his college career. Just doesn’t get his hands on many footballs.

Pro Comparison:  Derron Smith

Undersized and playing on an average defense didn’t help Smith coming out of Fresno State. Nonetheless teams took notice of his ability to match up with receivers in coverage. That and the ability to drop down towards the line of scrimmage and tackles. These are the same qualities that Ford shares. Right down to the similar body type.

Projection:  6th Round

He should be an instant help on special teams with his aggressiveness but there are still too many holes in his game to warrant an earlier pick. Landing in the right defensive system will be crucial for him. One that uses him aggressively so he can attack the line of scrimmage. Force him to read and react in space though and problems will surface.

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