Small school prospects Miami Dolphins should keep an eye on

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MOBILE, AL – JANUARY 30: Wide Receiver Cade Johnson #83 from South Dakota State of the National Team warms up before the start of the 2021 Resse’s Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

Cade Johnson, Wide Receiver, South Dakota State

2019 Stats: 72 catches, 1,222 yards, 8 TDs (stats courtesy of ESPN.com)

There are a ton of talented receivers in this draft. Guys like Devonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle and Ja’Marr Chase are dominating the conversation, but there are a lot of lesser-known guys, like Cade Johnson, that could be difference-makers on NFL teams.

Playing at South Dakota State, Johnson has definitely flies under the radar. And by fly, I mean fly. He has great speed both in running his routes and on end-around plays taking the ball out the backfield. He looks like he has a natural ability to weave through defenders and avoid big hits, which are important given his smaller frame (5′ 10,” 175lbs).

I don’t want to say that he is a one-trick pony as a receiver, but when you look through some of his film, his best plays are on deep balls or using his speed on quick throws or pitches. He will need to develop a more consistent route tree in order to be effective in the NFL, but he definitely has the potential.

This would be an intriguing pick for Miami. If the Dolphins decide to part ways with Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant, Johnson could be an explosive replacement. He also has the ability to return kicks, and with his fluid running style, he could be a steal later in the draft even if all he does is take kickoffs and punt returns.

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