Tao Johnson

NFL Draft Profile: Tao Johnson

Position: Safety | School: Utah | Class: Redshirt Junior

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 200 lbs | Archetype: Versatile Free Safety / Hybrid Nickel

College Career Summary

Tao Johnson is one of the most intriguing "projection" prospects in the 2026 class. Recruited as a high-ceiling athlete from Idaho, he initially began his career at Utah as a wide receiver in 2022. Recognizing his elite recovery speed and track background (10.62s 100m dash), the coaching staff moved him to the defensive secondary in 2023.

After learning the nuances of the position while playing nickel and safety, Johnson became a cornerstone of the Utes' defense in 2025. Transitioning into a primary safety role, he combined his rare explosive burst with a refined understanding of route concepts. He finished his career as a multi-year starter and a versatile weapon capable of erasing speed on the perimeter while providing reliable deep-half coverage.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 38 (Career)

• Total Tackles: 154 (51 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 4.0 (Career)

• Interceptions: 3 (2 in 2025)

• Pass Breakups (PD): 13 (4 in 2025)

• Fumble Recoveries: 2 (Career)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Southern Utah	2 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Clean coverage; verified elite closing speed.
@ West Virginia	5 Tkl	B	Solid in run support; maintained deep integrity.
vs. Arizona State	6 Tkl	A-	High Motor. Chased down a breakaway run from behind.
@ BYU	4 Tkl, 1 INT	A	Star Impact. Crucial rivalry INT in the red zone.
vs. Colorado	3 Tkl	B	Erased the deep third; limited explosive shots.
vs. Cincinnati	5 Tkl	B+	Play Recognition. Clinical screen diagnosis.
@ Baylor	4 Tkl, 1 INT	A	Ball Skills. Displayed WR-level hands on a tip-pick.
vs. Kansas State	7 Tkl, 1 PD	A-	Mental Toughness. Played through a minor ankle sting.
@ Kansas	4 Tkl	B-	Worst Game. Rare lapse in leverage on a perimeter run.
vs. Nebraska (Bowl)	8 Tkl	A	Competitor. Career-high tackles in a bowl win.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Recovery Speed: A former track star, Johnson’s 4.4-range speed is evident. He can recover from early technical errors and close throwing windows that look open.

• Transition Fluidity: Despite his height, he has smooth hips. He can flip and run with vertical threats without losing momentum, a trait likely developed during his time at receiver.

• Versatility: Utah used him as a "fix-it" player. He is equally comfortable as a single-high safety or dropping into the slot to man up on shifty receivers.

• Special Teams Ace: His combination of size and speed makes him a high-end contributor on coverage units.

Weaknesses

• Functional Mass: At 200 lbs, he can be moved by elite NFL-sized blockers. He needs to add "play strength" to hold his ground in the box.

• Tackling Consistency: He occasionally relies on his speed to "launch" rather than squaring up and wrapping. This leads to slipped tackles against power backs.

• Processing Speed: Because he is still relatively new to the defensive side of the ball, he can occasionally be fooled by advanced eye manipulation from veteran QBs.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Free Safety / Big Nickel in a Split-Field or Disguise-Heavy scheme (e.g., Eagles, Dolphins, or Texans).

NFL Comparison: Dax Hill (Bengals)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 20/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 91/100

Tao Johnson is the definition of a "modern" NFL safety. In a league dominated by explosive passing attacks, his ability to match the speed of any receiver on the field is a premium trait. While he is still refining his "safety eyes" and run-support leverage, his athletic floor is significantly higher than most prospects in this class. He is a high-ceiling project who can contribute on special teams Day 1 while developing into a Pro Bowl-caliber centerfielder.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round