Las Vegas Raiders Scouting: Dalton Johnson

Aug 30, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Dalton Johnson (43) waves his finger after Hawaii Rainbow Warriors fails to catch the ball during the fourth quarter of the game at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

The Raiders spent their 150th overall pick, acquired from the Saints for Tyree Wilson, to select another Arizona safety in Dalton Johnson. Johnson, 23, projects as a versatile defender for the Raiders secondary and shows an ability to work across the formation, but wins primarily with his instincts, reaction skills, first step, and aggression. He’ll translate to the NFL as a depth rotational safety immediately, and continue to find a way on the field with his playmaking abilities.

Introduction:

Age: 23
Height: 5’11
Weight: 198
Stats: 286 tackles, 13 TFL, 5 INT, 11 PBU, 7 FF, 12.2% missed tackle rate | 67.8% reception rate (78/115), 886 yards, 7 TD, 92.9 QBR allowed

Allowed just a 37.8 QBR in 2025 on 25 receptions and a TD with 4 INT, and 9 PBU plus 3 FF.

Positional Splits:

574 FS
480 SS
702 Nickel Defender
463 Slot

RAS Testing:

4.41 40 (1.59 10-Split), 36 Vert, 9’11 Broad, 4.53 Shuttle, 7.07 3-Cone | 6 RAS

Put him on the board 📈
Dalton Johnson NFL Draft Tape 🎞️#Big12FB | @ArizonaFBall pic.twitter.com/012o1GBCuZ

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) April 18, 2026

Positives:

Exceptionally versatile DB, shows elite NFL caliber instincts, can consistently make an impact at the NFL level in a variety of roles reading and reacting to the ball. Tackles well, can have some questions, but he’s a good open field tackler, works well using his frame, and he’ll consistently drive defenders into the ground. Plays extremely physical, despite frame, will come up and hit a defender in their face. He has a knack for knocking the ball out, he’ll fight with his hands well, gets into the frame of the receiver, and shows good punch technique. Contributes on special teams well, with 2 FF and 18 tackles in his career. Works well in short yardage situations, fluid, smooth natural hip flexibility. He plays with good balance, good initial trigger and downhill aggression, and Johnson has a knack for closing passing lanes quickly to make a play on the ball. He improved each season, including a breakout 2025 season where he was finally utilized around the defense instead of sitting in the box solely. Shows above average range at times, is able to move across the field, can close quickly, and has above average initial and secondary burst. Has quick snappy hips, and fluid footwork, will turn and run in man coverage well. Plays with balance, uses his full frame through the rep. Shows an ability to track the ball over his shoulder, read and react, and does a good job seeing the QB’s eyes.

Weakness:

He’s very average in man coverage, doesn’t look comfortable, and can trip his feet up as well. He has average long speed despite the 4.41 40 and at times it’ doesn’t’ show on film. Additionally, Johnson is smaller, and he has average length with very inconsistent range as well and he struggles to get across the field at times when working as a true centerfield safety. Johnson get’s overpowered in the run game when working down towards the line of scrimmage, and adding more muscle or mass will be crucial to his NFL success working in the box. He tackles well, but adding strength will help him complete the one’s he’s missed, and he’ll also be able to better box out defenders at the point of attack. Johnson struggles vs tight ends, and really works best when able to read and react instead of react quickly.

#Raiders got an impact safety/nickel hybrid in Dalton Johnson.

He’s played free, strong and nickel alignments at Arizona, and had 5 interceptions and 7 forced fumbles in his three years as a starter (plus a blocked FG in 2022).

Elite mover (4.41 forty) and showed that… pic.twitter.com/bZWkBekovt

— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 25, 2026

Recap:

The Raiders are adding to their secondary with young talent, and Johnson follows a similar mold. He has exceptional instincts, and he’ll react quickly to the ball. Johnson also plays physical, provides special teams value, and his ability to work across the defense is crucial for Las Vegas to continue building their defense and secondary. Johnson & Stukes have an exceptional relationship, both work well in communication, and their ability to play off each other isn’t something that should go under stated either. Johnson can win in the NFL as a 12-14 yard drop safety, and as someone who can work downfield as well, which allow the Raiders more depth and versatility to rotate between their secondary.

Pro Comp: Khari Willis (but not the retiring early part)

Ceiling: Starting FS

Floor: Special teams ace

Consensus: 188th