2024 NFL Draft Profile: Fresno State DB Carlton Johnson

As the Bulldogs prepare for their spring practice sessions, cornerback Carlton Johnson is preparing for a shot at the 2024 NFL Draft. Johnson declared for the

© Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

As the Bulldogs prepare for their spring practice sessions, cornerback Carlton Johnson is preparing for a shot at the 2024 NFL Draft. Johnson declared for the draft back in December.

“I have dreamed of playing in high school, dreamed of playing in college," Johnson posted to social media at the time. "Now I’m trying to make my lifelong dream come true by trying to play in the NFL.”

Johnson was a key component on a defense that forced 23 total turnovers and allowed 24.6 points per game, finishing just below the top of the Mountain West in both categories. Here are the other important things to know about a corner prospect that could be a valuable late selection.

Background

Measurements: 6'0" 165 pounds

Johnson's football career has not been a straight line, but few in 2023 can realistically make that claim. He was lightly recruited as a zero-star prospect out of Moreno Valley, California, signing with FCS Southern Utah in 2018. Johnson spent two seasons at Southern Utah, one where he took his redshirt after four games. In 2019, Athlon Sports named Johnson a Freshman All-American after he recorded three interceptions and 32 tackles.

FCS football didn't happen in the fall of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson transferred to Riverside Community College in 2021, picking off two passes and breaking up 11 on the way to a California state JUCO title. 

Johnson then spent 2022 and 2023 at Fresno State, where he totaled 82 tackles (seven for a loss) with five interceptions and 13 pass breakups. 

Arguably, Johnson's shining moment as a college player came in 2023 against Arizona State. He intercepted three passes in that game (a Mountain West conference record) as part of a team effort that included eight total takeaways. The Rancho Verde High School product finished the season with four total interceptions and seven pass breakups in addition to 54 total tackles.

RELATED: 2024 NFL Draft Profile: Rice WR Luke McCaffrey

The Strengths

Johnson's biggest asset in making the jump to the NFL will definitely be his speed. During practices for this year's Senior Bowl, Johnson was clocked at 22 MPH, the second-fastest speed ever recorded at that event. 

Johnson's coverage skills are accentuated by his spatial awareness and and positioning ability. He didn't show as much physicality as some other prospects in the draft this past season, but he knows where he needs to be to make play on the ball when it's in the air.

RELATED: Boise State's George Holani Headlines Mountain West Combine Invites

Combine Stats

N/A (Johnson did not participate due to a hamstring injury, but plans to participate in Fresno State Pro Day on March 18)

What's Next

Johnson was one of six players from the Mountain West Conference to be invited to February's NFL Combine in Indianapolis. He did not participate in drills, but met with media and teams. He could sneak into the third day of the draft, if the right opportunity presents itself, but may have to play his way onto a roster through a UDFA deal. Then again, Johnson has found a way to exceed expectations before.