FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Florida State receiver Johnny Wilson.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Johnny Wilson

Johnny Wilson (WR – Florida State)

6’7” – 237 lbs.

Background:

Four-star recruit who originally attended Arizona State. Played sparingly there for two seasons, with six catches as a true freshman (redshirt season) and 12-154-1 the following year. Stepped into a starting role upon transferring to the Seminoles, and caught 43-897-5 (20.9) in 2022, with 41-617-2 (15.0) this season before declaring for the draft.

Positives:

Two-year starter for a major program, and as big of a wide receiver as you’ll see. Hasn’t played there much recently, but has some prior experience in the slot. Runs routes to different levels, including a lot of routes down the sidelines (back shoulders, go routes), curls, and patterns breaking over the middle of the field. Shows some different releases, with clean and effective footwork; work at the line of scrimmage allows him to stack some corners in his hip pocket. Has enough build-up speed that the team frequently utilized him as a deep threat down the sidelines. Snaps off routes pretty cleanly, without much drift. Tracks and adjusts to the ball pretty effectively down the field. Frame allows him to shield defenders from the ball. Has been effective in contested-catch situations with the Seminoles, and physical profile suggests that’ll continue at the next level. Climbs the ladder and aggressively attacks throws at the catch point. Shows a bit more flexibility than expected when adjusting to throws. Able to go low and scoop up low throws. No-nonsense approach after the catch, with the ability to lower his shoulder and deliver some punishment. Very effective blocker with the tools to dominate.

Negatives:

Struggled to replicate his 2022 success this year, and game-to-game output is up and down. Hasn’t been a very high-percentage option in college. Doesn’t have much suddenness or explosiveness to his movements and may struggle to create consistent separation against man coverage at the NFL level. Drops have been an issue, with 12.8% of his catchable targets dropped overall, at a relatively consistent rate. Makes some really impressive throws, but then leaves routine ones on the table due to a seeming lack of focus. Double-clutches too many passes. Not the most elusive with the ball in his hands.

Summary:

A huge target with the type of game you may expect given his physical profile. He may not be the fastest, quickest, or most explosive receiver, but his releases and effective route-running allowed him to create some effective throwing lanes in school. Improving his concentration and cutting down on focus drops will be important. Could sneak into the second day because of his rare size, but in a relatively loaded receiver class, could slip to the third day if he doesn’t test well.

Projection: Round 3-4