WR Tyler Johnson NFL.com draft profile

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TYLER JOHNSON MINNESOTA WR

Prospect Info
COLLEGE
Minnesota

CLASS
Senior

HEIGHT
6’ 1’’

WEIGHT
206 lbs

ARM
30 7/8’’

HAND
9"

Prospect Grade
5.99
Average Backup Or Special-Teamer

2020 Draft Results
DRAFTED BY
TAMPA BAY
BUCCANEERS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 5 ‧ Pick 16

Score Breakdown

Production Score
78
2020 Combine WR Rank: 5th
Athleticism Score *est
67
2020 Combine WR Rank: 27th
Total Score
69
2020 Combine WR Rank: 24th

Player Bio
Johnson was a successful high school quarterback at Minneapolis North High School (2,606 yards, 36 touchdowns passing as a senior) before signing with the hometown Gophers. Minnesota took advantage of his ability as a receiver as a true freshman, however, even starting him once (14-141-10.1, one TD in 13 games). Johnson missed the final two games of his sophomore campaign with a hand injury but still earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades (35-677-19.3, seven TDs in 10 games). A healthy junior season led to school records in receiving yards and touchdowns (78-1,169-15.0, 12 TDs), as well as first-team all-conference honors. Johnson could have left for the NFL after that outstanding season but returned to get his degree. He helped the Gophers post an 11-2 record in 2019, again grabbing first-team all-conference accolades by finishing among the national leaders with 86 receptions, 1,318 yards, and 13 touchdowns in 13 starts. His brother, Tayler, is a defensive back at Northern Iowa.


Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst

Draft Projection
Round 5

NFL Comparison
Jakobi Meyers

Overview
Contested-catch warrior who plays the game like a big brother imposing his will on his younger brothers on the playground. Johnson's lack of speed and explosiveness make it hard to create clean catch windows unless he's working against zone. However, he's an absolute rebound champ, using instincts, timing and an impressive knowledge of body control to keep defenders away from the football and make it his own. His production speaks directly to his ball skills and competitiveness, but physical limitations might pigeon-hole him into a role as a zone-beating possession slot with red-zone talent.

Strengths
Tremendously productive over last three seasons
Put his name on a long list of school records
Play strength reminiscent of AJ Brown
Recognizes acceleration opportunities to play past coverage
Rare ball skills and instincts as ball-winner
Basketball background shows when bodying defenders at catch-point
Defenders catch shoulders, back and hips anywhere on the field
Diligent in working back to his quarterback
Uses tracking and stacking to handle deep catches
Excellent high-point timing and mid-air adjustments

Weaknesses
Tight hips limit agility to elude press
Lacks leaping ability and arm length for desired catch radius
Top-end speed falls below the NFL mark
Unable to find second gear to run under throws
Route work doesn't throw defender off the scent
Below average foot quickness to cross-up corners at route stem
Disappointing separation burst out of breaks
Has had issues fighting the football into the middle of the field
Physical after the catch, but not very elusive



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/30/2023 11:48AM by Rams Junkie.