Tae Johnson, S, Notre Dame: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
Tae Johnson (Brauntae Johnson) |
|
Position |
Safety (S) |
|
Number |
9 |
|
Class |
Redshirt Sophomore |
|
School |
Notre Dame |
|
Height / Weight |
6’2″ / 200 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Fort Wayne, Ind. / North Side HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Performance & Passing Game Disruptions
|
Season |
Team |
G |
Tackles |
TFL |
INT |
PD / FR |
|
2024 |
Notre Dame |
3 |
3 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 / 0 |
|
2025 |
Notre Dame |
10 |
48 |
0.0 |
4 |
3 / 0 |
|
Total |
13 |
51 |
0.0 |
4 |
3 / 0 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected athletic metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on historic Indiana high school multi-sport production (elite track and basketball profile), verified EA Sports traits, and spatial acceleration recovery tools.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.38 – 4.46s
- Vertical Jump: 37.0″ – 39.0″
- Broad Jump: 10’5″ – 10’9″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.08 – 4.22s
- 3-Cone Drill: 6.80 – 6.96s
4. Scouting & Transfer Notes
Background Profile
Johnson arrived in South Bend carrying premium blue-chip credentials out of North Side High School in Indiana, where he put together a legendary multi-sport resume. A prolific wide receiver on the gridiron (2,286 career yards and 41 touchdowns) and a dominant 1,000-point scorer on the basketball court, his dynamic athletic profile translated seamlessly to Marcus Freeman’s secondary.
After undergoing foot surgery that sidelined him for most of his true freshman campaign in 2024, Johnson flashed his potential by returning to play in three games and preserving his redshirt. He completely exploded onto the national consciousness as a redshirt freshman in 2025.
Stepping into the safety rotation across 10 games, Johnson secured eight starts and finished fourth on the roster with 48 tackles. He simultaneously tied for the team lead with 4 interceptions, returning those takeaways for 73 yards to establish himself as a premier defensive weapon. Heading into the 2026 sequence, the high-flying centerfield defender tracks as one of the single most naturally gifted redshirt sophomore safety prospects in the 2027 draft loop.
Key Strengths
- Exceptional Multi-Sport Athletic Blueprint: Translates elite high school basketball traits—including rare vertical adjustments and premium high-pointing abilities—to win consistently at the catch point.
- Natural High-Volume Ballhawk Instincts: Leverages his past high-school wide receiver background to smoothly read passing trees, calculate quarterback intentions, and jump throwing lanes cleanly.
- Prototypical Height and Frame Length: Features an imposing 6’2″ frame structure with a wide spatial reach designed to crowd passing lanes and match up with high-mass tight ends.
- Elite Short-Area Recovery Trigger: Showcases excellent deep-third range and explosive closing acceleration, turning pass deflections into instant takeaways (4 INTs in 2025).
Developmental Focus
Because Johnson missed a significant portion of his initial developmental year due to a foot injury, professional scouting departments will use the 2026 calendar to evaluate his ongoing structural progression in heavy interior run fits. As a converted offensive asset who plays with a lighter frame, continuing to add lean muscular bulk will optimize his functional play strength when taking on high-mass blockers downfield. Maintaining precise visual patience against complex play-action looks and avoiding over-aggressive angles from deep alignments will solidify his grade as a top-tier three-down safety project at the professional tier.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
*pending*
All-Star Game Notes
*pending*
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
*pending*