The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for their next stars through the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Raiders are beginning an exciting era of Silver and Black football as Coach Antonio Pierce takes over in a full-time role after steering the team in the right direction in an interim position.
The Raiders also hired Tom Telesco as their new general manager. Las Vegas is hoping these two bring in the right players to help them get back to the postseason and hopefully bring back a Lombardi Trophy.
One of those players could be Fresno State cornerback Carlton Johnson. After spending time at Riverside City College, Johnson spent the final two seasons of his career with the Bulldogs.
In two years at Fresno State, Johnson posted 82 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, 13 passes defended, and five interceptions. He was named Second-Team All-Mountain West in 2023.
Johnson is one of the smallest corners in the draft at just 6 feet tall and 165 pounds. Despite his size, Johnson is a good mover with solid speed and agility. He was a late addition to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., but ended up having good performances in practice.
Despite his small frame, Johnson is not afraid to hit. He has good speed that allows him to break quickly on ball carriers and make a play. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson was credited with 10 run stops.
Where he is at his best, however, is in coverage. Johnson had four interceptions in 2023, tied for second in the Mountain West. Johnson has tremendous IQ in coverage, showing a unique ability to recognize routes and get a hand on the ball.
According to PFF, Johnson was targeted 69 times and allowed 38 receptions for 538 yards and four touchdowns, but did not allow a touchdown in the last six games of the season.
While he competes hard and is smart, Johnson’s size will likely cause him problems in the NFL. He will not be able to hold up with the league’s bigger receivers. He is quicker than he is fast, too, so he will get beat by faster receivers.
Johnson is projected to be a late-day three selection in the draft. If the Raiders can overlook his size and value the competitor he is, Johnson could be a good fit in the Silver and Black.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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