Theo Johnson

Penn State's Theo Johnson is a tight end projection bet based on his uber athletic traits. At the NFL Combine, Johnson tested OFF the charts with 91st percentile or better marks in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump.
And he did this at 6-foot-6 and 259 pounds. The guy also has massive hands (98th percentile). It's par for the course with another freaky Penn State NFL product. But at least Johnson showed during his final season that he could convert athletics into on-field football production. He posted an 18% dominator rating during the 2023 season with 7 TDs and 341 receiving yards. Still the lack of overall consistency suggests we might be biding our time for Johnson to make a full-fledged impact at the next level. But there's no doubt a team will be tantalized by Johnson's raw build and traits to invest highly in him. He reminded me of a combination of Mo Alie-Cox and Logan Thomas. The rumor was the Giants were searching for a pass-catching tight end in this year's draft, with Darren Waller likely retiring. Johnson has a chance to command targets in Big Blue's offense, which is a win in my book. Daniel Bellinger is more of a blocking tight end. And after fellow rookie Malik Nabers, HC Brian Daboll is searching for playmakers to get the ball to. The former Nittany Lion is TE38 in early best ball ADP.

Johnson opened plenty of eyes this year in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. He earned separation with ease while shining in red zone drills. Johnson is a big red zone target who operates well with targets above his head, as he can play above the rim. He struggles more with some passes outside of his frame, which are either behind him or low. He was utilized heavily with screens and out routes, but when we have seen Johnson used downfield and up the seam, he has produced. He has the straight-line speed to run past linebackers and get downtown. Johnson needs to work on sinking his hips on comebacks and hitches. He can uncover on underneath routes, but he looks lumbering at times when he needs to drop those hips or change direction quickly. Johnson has decent play strength, but he needs to do a better job deploying it after the catch. For an athlete of his caliber and size, it's surprising that he only forced seven missed tackles and 5.0 yards after the catch per reception in college. Dynasty Outlook: Assuming Darren Waller does retire, Johnson will compete with Daniel Bellinger for playing time. Johnson and Bellinger share some similarities as tight ends with staunch physical profiles but lackluster collegiate receiving ledgers. Johnson is a late fourth-round rookie draft pick in tight-end premium leagues or a waiver wire pickup after the draft. The receiving depth chart behind Malik Nabers isn't outstanding. If Johnson can earn the starting gig in year one, he could at least be a matchup-dependent streaming type.