FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tez Johnson
Tez Johnson (WR – Oregon)
5-foot-10 | 165 Pounds
Background
Tez Johnson had a difficult upbringing before eventually being taken in by Broncos quarterback Bo Nix‘s family. Originally attended Troy, where he caught 18 passes as a freshman before working into the starting lineup the following season, posting 66-712-4 (10.8) in 2021 and 55-856-4 (15.6) in 2022 before being reunited with Nix at Oregon.
Went 86-1,182-10 (13.7) that season, then returned to school and had a similar year of 82-898-10 (11.0) production in 2024.
Positives
Highly productive four-year starter who showed he could make the leap in level of competition. Johnson has been playing out of the slot almost his entire career, and that’s probably where he’ll be at the next level, too; occasionally takes a snap outside, or is motioned, often into the backfield. A quick receiver who the team trusted to run option routes in school. Fast feet allow him to release at the line of scrimmage. Puts plenty of window dressing on the stem to freeze defenders and create windows for quick throws.
Accelerates fast and has the speed to run away from opponents on man-beaters, often shallow crosses, overs, seam routes or go routes off of outside releases. Very hard to stick with when he comes in speed motion as the ball is snapped. Does a nice job of sitting down into zone coverage for easy rhythm completions underneath. Shifty player in space who the team tried to provide opportunities for in routes like screens, flat releases and crossers.
Johnson has good wiggle to make defenders miss, work through traffic and pick up extra yardage. Able to track the ball over his shoulder when working downfield. Has a pretty nice pair of hands for such a small receiver, with 22 career drops against 307 catches (only three this past season), per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Shows impressive body control and flexibility to adjust to off-target throws.
Negatives
Johnson has a very thin frame, even for a slot receiver. Experience on the outside is pretty limited, as he lined up in the slot almost 90% of the time over his career. Likely lacks the functional strength to release against press coverage at the line. Struggles to stay on track when dealing with physical coverage, with below-average contact balance; gets noticeably jolted by contact.
Limited size and radius means he’ll likely need an accurate quarterback at the next level. Lacks the frame and strength to come down with many contested catches, and has a hard time shielding defenders with his body to prevent them from getting back in-phase. Doesn’t survive contact as a runner. Willing to stick his nose in a bit as a blocker, but doesn’t offer a whole lot there. Often needs to resort to throwing a shoulder rather than engaging with form.
Summary
A tiny, rail-thin receiver who nonetheless managed to put together an excellent college career as a result of his excellent speed, quickness and route-running chops. Given a little space to work, has proven very difficult for opponents to stick with in man coverage, creating impressive separation on runaways and showing the ability to create after the catch.
Johnson could have some trouble dealing with defenders who can effectively disrupt routes near the line of scrimmage, but should otherwise offer some explosive play potential from the slot.
Projection: Round 3
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