The Las Vegas Raiders may have found their defensive Swiss-army knife in the 2026 NFL Draft. With a secondary that needed reinforcements, the Raiders went all-in on defensive backs—selecting four in total, including former Arizona standout Dalton Johnson in the fifth round. While Johnson might start his career coming off the bench, his versatility makes him an instant asset for a defense looking to shore up its depth.

Last season, Johnson proved he's more than just a one-trick pony. According to Pro Football Focus, he logged nearly identical snaps at three different positions: 271 at strong safety, 247 at free safety, and 233 at nickelback. That kind of flexibility is rare, and Johnson didn't just fill gaps—he excelled. He finished as PFF's highest-graded safety in the Big 12 overall (84.8) and in coverage (88.6), while also earning mid-70s grades as a run defender for three straight seasons.

But the numbers only tell part of the story. Johnson's tape shows a player who diagnoses plays quickly and isn't afraid to get physical, even when lined up deep. On one play, Arizona shows a two-high safety look before rotating into single-high coverage after the snap. Johnson reads the play, triggers downhill, and fills the lane perfectly—stopping a quarterback counter run for just a one-yard gain. It's the kind of disciplined, aggressive play that defensive coordinators dream about.

Johnson's willingness to step into run fits from depth is a hallmark of his game. Whether he's playing deep safety or lining up in the box, he consistently finds the ball and makes tackles. On a read option play, he shows the same instincts from the strong safety spot, reading the mesh point and rallying to the ball carrier.

For a Raiders team that has emphasized versatility and toughness in its secondary, Johnson fits the mold perfectly. He might not be a household name yet, but his ability to line up anywhere and contribute in both coverage and run support gives Las Vegas a valuable chess piece. In a league where defenses need to adapt on the fly, having a Swiss-army knife like Johnson could make all the difference.