No. 21, Texas A&M DB Antonio Johnson

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

It’s well-documented that the Green Packers need help at the safety position. Thus far this offseason, Brian Gutekunst went out and signed former third-round Tarvarius Moore. He re-signed Rudy Ford and Dallin Leavitt.

Unfortunately for the Packers, the 2023 NFL Draft isn’t loaded with talented safeties ripe for the picking.

A player that Gutekunst could target in this thin safety class is Antonio Johnson. The Texas A&M defensive back checks in at No. 21 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown. 

Texas A&M DB Antonio Johnson is a stud

6’3, acceleration with excellent closing speed, +recognition/awareness – lived in the slot last year but think he can thrive in traditional safety role too pic.twitter.com/2PJe6w8ODU

— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) August 17, 2022

A four-star recruit out of Illinois, Johnson broke out in 2021, when he recorded 79 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and five pass deflections. This past season Johnson recorded 71 tackles, five tackles for loss, and one sack. It’s worth noting that Johnson missed three games this past season while battling an injury. 

“My takeaway is that AJ compiled all those stats, and was named first-team All-SEC with a team-leading three forced fumbles, despite missing three games due to injury,” Pete Hernandez, a contributor for Aggieswire.com said. “A&M didn’t give up too many big plays last year through the air, which was a result of the placement of the safeties and corners, and AJ played an impactful role. His length made it difficult to escape him on running plays and in coverage but he struggled a bit in 2022 when it came to yardage after the catch and tackling.”

Johnson is a versatile defensive back that spent most of his time at College Station playing in the slot, closer to the line of scrimmage. Over the past two seasons, Johnson logged 883 snaps in the slot. 

“AJ has a passion and a knack for sticking his head into whatever is going on at the line of scrimmage, hence the plethora of highlights you’ll see of him blitzing the quarterback or meeting tailbacks head-on,” Hernandez said. “If you’re an NFL defensive coordinator that needs extra run support or wants to create additional pressure, AJ will be in your defensive package for sure.”

Johnson is at his best playing closer to the line of…