One Las Vegas Raiders player looking to make a splash this upcoming training camp will be cornerback Isaiah Johnson.
A fourth-round selection by way of Bryan, Texas, Johnson played collegiate football at the University of Houston. Despite showing promise in training camp in 2019, Johnson only appeared in five games for the Raiders after injuries derailed his rookie campaign. In a cornerbacks group that is full of potential, the team hopes he can build on his sample from last year. It won’t be easy though. Johnson will have stiff competition for playing time after general manager Mike Mayock added Damon Arnette and Amik Robertson. Also, Prince Amukamara is looking to find a place in the secondary.
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The Potential Is There
Johnson will find himself in a much more crowded room this upcoming season. Nevertheless, his abilities will earn him a shot at the very least. In addition, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal has Johnson locked in as a player that will make a training camp splash.
“Drafted in the fourth round out of Houston in 2019, the former college wide receiver was considered a bit of a project given the limited time he spent at cornerback in college. On the other hand, between his size — he’s 6-foot-2 — and athletic ability, whatever wait there might have been to get him settled in at the next level seemed worth it… Johnson has been completely healthy throughout the off-season and vows to return with a vengeance in his second year… He’ll get a big chance to open eyes in camp. So don’t be surprised if it comes together for Johnson this season.”
Future Starter For The Raiders?
Johnson’s size, length, and speed figure to give him a shot at playing time, thanks in large part to the fact he’s healthy now. Also, Johnson’s upside hasn’t gone anywhere. Let’s not forget Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller’s grade for the corner, 5.99, with expectations to be a “future starter.” For now, potential is all the Raiders have to go on with Johnson. He only had 14 snaps on defense for the entire year, literally a sample. To his credit, Johnson saw only two targets and gave up a ten-yard average in those two receptions. Finally, there’s a silver lining, and that is Johnson didn’t give up a touchdown in coverage, so he’s already in good shape for 2020. Training camp can’t get here soon enough for Raider Nation.
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*Top Photo: Raiders.com