NFL Draft: Las Vegas Raiders draft Arizona safety Dalton Johnson in the fourth round

Former Arizona safety Dalton Johnson was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 150 overall in the fourth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday.

Johnson was picked shortly after former UA safety Genesis Smith, who was picked by the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 131 overall in the fourth round. 

Johnson joins Arizona defensive back and longtime teammate Treydan Stukes, who was drafted by the Raiders in the second round on Friday, in Las Vegas. Stukes and Johnson were teammates at Arizona for five years, and now they're teammates in the NFL. 

Johnson enters the NFL after a highly productive career at Arizona. Johnson was initially recruited by the Kevin Sumlin regime and signed with the Wildcats' 2021 recruiting class despite the Wildcats firing Sumlin just before the early signing period. The Katy, Texas native ascended into a starter in two years after standing out on special teams. 

Johnson was involved in arguably the most iconic postseason play in Arizona football history. In the Wildcats' win over Oklahoma in the 2023 Alamo Bowl, Johnson forced a fumble that was recovered in the air by safety Gunner Maldonado, who returned it for touchdown and shifted the momentum of the game. 

When Arizona endured multiple injuries in its defense the following season, Johnson played a linebacker-safety hybrid role and led the Wildcats in tackles.   

In his final season at Arizona in 2025, Johnson became the first Arizona defensive back since Darrell Brooks in 2004 and '05 to lead the Wildcats in tackles in back-to-back seasons. Johnson's 97 tackles are more than his season total from 2024. He had the sixth-most tackles (97) in the Big 12 this past season — the most by a defensive back.

Johnson ended the 2025 season earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors twice. He had 18 tackles in Arizona's home finale against Baylor, the most tackles by a Wildcat since Wright in 2014. Johnson also had an interception and forced fumble the following week against ASU in the Territorial Cup. 

Johnson concluded his Arizona career with 285 tackles, seven forced fumbles and five interceptions. He was a first-team All-Big 12 selection. Last season marked the first time Arizona had multiple first-team all-conference players since Jackie Wallace and Bob White in 1972.