The Houston Texans announced Friday that all seven of their draft picks are under contract.
That includes first-round selection Kevin Johnson, the cornerback out of Wake Forest who landed in Houston with the 16th overall pick.
Drawing comparisons to Sam Shields, Johnson was seen by many as the safest corner in the draft, an effective zone cover defender who improved in man coverage over the past two seasons in college.
"Some coaches have told me that Johnson is the cleanest defensive back in this draft," NFL Media's Mike Mayock said last week. "He can play inside and outside, press or off coverage. All the defensive back coaches I talk to talk about his feet ... so quick. The only concern is his frame and durability, but this is a really good football player."
At 6-foot, 188 pounds, Johnson's lanky build is a concern against the run. Still, there's time to grow and develop for a Texans defense that still has Kareem Jackson and Johnathan Joseph at the position.
The team also signed second-round linebacker Benardrick McKinney, who projects to play inside for coordinator Romeo Crennel. Third-round wideout Jaelen Strong also inked his deal, putting him in position to see significant snaps right away after Andre Johnson left for the Colts.
The rest of Houston's under-contract rookie class includes fifth-round wideout Keith Mumphery, sixth-rounders Reshard Cliett (linebacker) and Christian Covington (defensive tackle) and seventh-round running back Kenny Hilliard.
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