Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy points to one key reason that Tez Johnson's smaller stature won't be a problem in the NFL
Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson, who is coming off back-to-back prolific seasons, including setting a Ducks single season record with 86 receptions in 2023, is preparing to head off to the NFL. His first stop in the pre-draft process is this week's Senior Bowl, a golden opportunity to showcase talents against fellow draft hopefuls. Checking in […]
Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson, who is coming off back-to-back prolific seasons, including setting a Ducks single season record with 86 receptions in 2023, is preparing to head off to the NFL. His first stop in the pre-draft process is this week's Senior Bowl, a golden opportunity to showcase talents against fellow draft hopefuls.
Checking in at the Senior Bowl, Johnson measured at just over 5'9" and 156 lbs. That is unarguably small, even in today's NFL. Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy was asked about his stature, and he pointed to one big reason that Johnson can thrive.
"You know, you can run free over the middle without fear of Ronnie Lott or, you know, David Fulcher, Bennie Blades, knocking your head off," Nagy said. "So, I'm sorry for the date references for the younger people in the room, but yeah, guys like Tez and Tank [Dell], and we all saw what Tank Dell did down here a couple years ago. Not saying Tez is Tank, I think Tank's a pretty unique player, but yeah, it's a more space game. Size isn't as big an issue. 15 years ago, guys Tank's size and Tutu Atwell and Tez — I mean, they would have really been more heavily scrutinized. But it's just, it's a more wide open game."
While Nagy has a very good point, that the emphasis on player safety makes it possible for smaller wide receivers to play without having to fear getting crushed for going across the middle, 156 pounds is very, very light.
Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is 170 lbs, and he was endlessly criticized for being too light. He probably pulled so much criticism because he was being discussed as one of the top wide receivers in his class (rightly so), while Johnson is not. The aforementioned Dell is the closest comp for Johnson, measuring at just over 5'8" 163 lbs.
Dell had an explosive rookie season with 708 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, but suffered a gruesome knee injury during this season.
Johnson has a narrow path to success in the NFL, but his talent is evident. He's an explosive playmaker and a natural separator, profiling as a shifty and dangerous slot receiver in the NFL. Hopefully some teams are willing to look past the weight to trust the talent, production, and film that he has put out there.
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