Carlton Johnson Jr ran a sub-4.3 40-yard dash at his Fresno State.
The Seattle Seahawks had an official pre-draft 30 visit with a cornerback who showcased his speed at his Pro Day.
Local Fresno sports anchor Angelique Martinez reported earlier this week that Fresno State’s Carlton Johnson met with Seattle.
Fresno State CB Carlton Johnson is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks today. CJ ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at Fresno State’s Pro Day.
— Angelique Martinez (@AngMartinezTV) April 16, 2024
Former @FresnoStateFB cornerback Carlton Johnson is now the second-fastest (22.17mph) Senior Bowler since the game began player tracking, behind only #Seahawks Pro Bowler Tariq Woolen (22.45mph).@carlton_ceejaay is fast. https://t.co/dwsqB2BcbI
— Alec Nolan (@AlecABC30) February 7, 2024
Johnson was second-team All-Mountain West Conference in his senior season, with 11 passes defensed and 4 interceptions (3 of which came in one game). He transferred from Southern Utah to Fresno State (with a JuCo stop at Riverside City College in between) after the school canceled its 2020 season due to the pandemic.
While he didn’t participate in drills due to injury, Johnson was invited to the NFL scouting combine and measured 5’10 and 173 pounds, with 8-inch hand size and 30 3/8” arm length. At the Fresno State Pro Day he did clock that aforementioned 4.28 40-yard dash and a 30” vertical jump.
Here’s The Athletic NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler’s scouting report summary:
A two-year starter at Fresno State, Johnson was a perimeter cornerback in defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle’s 4-2-5 base scheme. A late bloomer in high school, he worked his way from the FCS to juco and then to Fresno State, where he accounted for 18 passes defended in 20 games played. Johnson has big-time speed to match receivers vertically or close on plays (his 22.17 mph was the fastest recorded during 2024 Senior Bowl practices). However, he can struggle in man coverage, because of inconsistent balance in his transitions and a streaky ability to find the football once his back is turned to the football. Overall, Johnson works well from off coverage with his wide vision and drive speed, but he is an average-twitch athlete, and his lack of size and strength will be tough to overcome in the NFL. He needs to prove himself in the nickel and on special teams to make a pro roster.
At best, Johnson is a late Day 3 option. Otherwise, he could be a UDFA target with the potential to compete on special teams. Check out some of his highlights below:
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