NFL Analyst Endorses Baker Mayfield's Unheralded New Teammate as Sleeper Pick from NFL Draft
Rewritten Article:
Swiping a game-changing player in the NFL Draft's late rounds? Well, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might've just done that.
With a roster brimming with talented wide receivers like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and the recently drafted first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs could easily overshadow their seventh-round pick, Tez Johnson from Oregon. But don't let that overshadowing fool you—Johnson's got the skills to shine.
For Johnson, making an impact means giving an outstanding performance at training camp that'll leave quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Todd Bowles, along with the entire Bucs coaching staff, impressed. This won't be a walk in the park, though, as Johnson has always had to compete against much larger men in his journey, standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing just 160 pounds.
Small Fry with Big Play Potential
Tez Time': Why the Bucs' Seventh-Rounder Shines
The Oregon receiver showcased his impressive skills throughout his five-year college career, first at Troy in the Sun Belt Conference, and then with the Ducks. Johnson caught the eyes of the Ducks' coaching staff with his extraordinary hand skills and knack for running after the catch.
In the 2023 season, he amassed 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns, followed by another 83 catches for 898 yards and 10 touchdowns in the subsequent season. Johnson is well-accustomed to being the smallest receiver on the field, and he is always ready to give his all to make a big play whenever the opportunity arises.
Yes, his size is without a doubt an issue, but that's been a hurdle Johnson has continually managed to leap over. He can potentially be a major sleeper if he manages to make an early impression on Mayfield and the coaching staff.
Enrichment Insights:
- Size and Speed: Johnson's small stature might be a concern, but he's shown the ability to dominate defensive backs despite his size. His speed and agility are key strengths, with a 4.51-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine.
- College Performance: Johnson's college performance was impressive, with two consecutive seasons as Oregon's leading receiver and the program record for most receptions in a single season. He was named Second-Team All-Pac-12 and MVP of the Big Ten Championship Game.
- NFL Potential: Johnson is best suited to the slot receiver position, where he can utilize his speed and agility to create separation from defenders. He could also contribute to special teams due to his explosiveness.
The Buccaneers' seventh-round pick has every chance to surprise and leave his mark in the league if he leverages his strengths wisely, despite the challenges his size might bring.
- With his impressive college career, Tez Johnson, the Bucs' seventh-round pick, showcased his exceptional ability in catching passes, speed, and agility, making him a potential sleeper who could leave a significant impact in American football, particularly in the NFL.
- Despite standing at only 5-foot-10 and weighing 160 pounds, Johnson, the Bucs' seventh-round pick from Oregon, possesses the skills to thrive in the highly competitive NFL, especially in the slot receiver position, where he can use his speed and agility to create separation from defenders.
