The Charger’s Defensive Backfield & Possible Draft Choices

Dec 31, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack safety Dontae Johnson (25) celebrates after breaking up a pass intended for Vanderbilt Commodores wide receiver Jordan Matthews (87) during the second half of the Music City Bowl at LP Field. Vanderbilt won 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Dontae Johnson, N.C. State – CB/FS – 2nd to 5th Round:

Here is another guy who can play cornerback, or free safety. Seeing a pattern here? Telesco might be looking for cornerbacks, or safeties, that can play nickel. He might be happy with his outside guys, unless he picks a first round cornerback, or safety.

Johnson could go anywhere between the 3rd and 5th round. At 6’2″ (third tallest DB at the combine), he has the height for either position, and is best suited for zone coverage. His versatility is what stands out. He has even tallied a few sacks in his college career. He’s fast, and doesn’t get beaten by speed. He isn’t stiff, despite his size, and has a high ceiling. One evaluation said “His mixture of quickness and length will make quarterbacks have to thread the needle on the sideline. Poorly placed balls can be intercepted”. (Manning makes a living off of that!!!)

He’s strong, sheds blocks, and has no problem tackling ball-carriers. His size makes him a cornerback candidate, but he can play as a free safety back-up, if nothing else. He is a cover 3 zone guy, but shows potential for man-coverage. I would be excited if we draft this guy! The strange thing is that he is projected to go anywhere from the 2nd to 5th round. This might be another Telesco value pick in the 3rd.