SALT LAKE CITY — Jaylon Johnson has definite plans for the NFL draft.
The former University of Utah cornerback, a 2019 All-American and a two-time first team All-Pac-12 honoree, is entering the next phase of his career with confidence and a goal.
“I’m just going to deal with whatever happens, but for me personally I’m not expecting anything less than the first round — whether it’s the middle and wherever it may be,” Johnson told the Deseret News. “I don’t really pay attention to what the mock drafts say. That’s based on some of my knowledge that I have. So I don’t expect to get out of the first round.”
Before the coronavirus pandemic shut things down, Johnson planned to be at the draft in Las Vegas — joining other early draftees in riding a boat to a red carpet in the front of the fountains at the Bellagio.
Now, Johnson’s planning for the biggest small gathering in his hometown of Fresno, California.
Johnson’s draft-day location, though, doesn’t change who he is. He’s extremely goal-oriented and had sights set on an NFL career since his junior year in high school.
At Utah, Johnson had a three-year plan. He never waffled, heading for the NFL before his senior season and doing so with a degree in hand.
Defensive coordinator Morgan Scalley calls Johnson a “consummate professional.” His film study is relentless.
“He’s going to transition well to the next level because the things they’re going to ask him to do athletically he can do and mentally he’s already been doing,” Scalley said.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham also has plenty of praise for the 6-foot, 193-pound cornerback.
“He’s got the size and the speed and the fluid hips, ball skills, intelligence,” Whittingham said. “He’s the whole package at corner.”
In 38 games with the Utes, Johnson picked off seven passes. He played his junior season with a torn labrum
“I absolutely wasn’t going to let it stop me,” said Johnson, who had the injury repaired after the NFL Scouting Combine.
Johnson went on to earn All-America recognition. He led Utah with 11 pass breakups and ranked among the Pac-12 leaders with 13 passes defended.