CB Isaiah Johnson (No. 129 overall)
Mayock and Gruden took another press cornerback in the fourth round. Similar to Mullen, Isaiah Johnson has size and length (6-2, 208 pounds and 33-inch arms) in spades. On the other hand, he doesn’t come into the league with enough experience to make an immediate impact on defense this year.
At Houston, Johnson played wide receiver for his first two terms before converting to cornerback in his junior campaign. He logged 12 pass breakups and four interceptions as a defender.
On film, you can see Johnson’s development in progress. He whiffed on some tackles and struggles to follow disciplined route-runners, but the former Cougar can also break on passes and force takeaways. His physical tools give him a good chance to ascend the depth chart, but his pro career will start on special teams.
Projection: Special Teamer, 10 solo tackles
TE Foster Moreau (No. 137 overall)
At LSU, tight end Foster Moreau didn’t have many opportunities to show off his receiving skills, but he can run routes and extend plays after the catch. However, Gruden seems intent to give Darren Waller an opportunity to fill Jared Cook‘s pass-catching role at the position, per Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Michael Gehlken:
Jon Gruden on TE Jared Cook: “It’s sickening to think we lost that guy. ...Darren Waller is very interesting. We’re going to give him a chance of a lifetime.” Raiders expected to draft a tight end next month.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 26, 2019
Keep in mind Waller played wide receiver at Georgia Tech. If the Raiders want a pass-catcher taking most of the snaps, he’s the guy to watch going into the next season.
Similar to his duties on the collegiate level, Moreau will earn his paycheck as an inline blocker and grinder early in his career. The Raiders released Lee Smith on the same day they signed the rookie fourth-rounder. It’s unlikely that’s a coincidence. The bruising tight end won’t light up the stat sheet, but he could have a solid role on perimeter.
Projection: 11 catches, 93 yards, 1 touchdown