2021 NFL Draft: 10 Day 3 sleepers who could be pro studs
By Randy Gurzi
4. Cade Johnson, WR, South Dakota State
Listed at just 5-11 and 184 pounds, Cade Johnson out of South Dakota State is a player who could be around late in the NFL Draft. His size relegates him to slot duty but he could find a niche there.
He could also contribute as a return man according to Drae Harris of The Draft Network who says he’s able to win in space.
"“Cade Johnson is a good, proactive athlete with regards to his speed and short-area agility. He won’t give you much as a run blocker in the running game due to his lack of ideal height-weight measurables. In the passing game is where he wins. He projects as a slot receiver in the NFL and has also shown the ability to be a returner. He is elusive and wins in space, while also showing the toughness to make tough catches and absorb contact. Playing him outside in the NFL is likely not ideal.” — Harris, The Draft Network"
Johnson is also said to have a small catch radius but during his time at South Dakota State, he did nothing but produce. He had 72 receptions for 1,222 yards and eight touchdowns in his final season and proved to be a good return man as well.
He may never become a Pro Bowl player but he has the makings of a slot receiver who picks up the tough yardage and never slows down despite taking nasty hits over the middle. Players like that seem to always stick around longer than expected.