NFL Analysis
4/27/24
4 min read
Theo Johnson NFL Draft 2024: Combine Results, Scouting Report For New York GIants TE
The 2024 NFL Draft is getting close, making it an excellent time to highlight some of the class' best players with scouting reports. Each report will include strengths, weaknesses and background information.
Here's our report on Theo Johnson.
Theo Johnson'S 2024 NFL COMBINE RESULTS
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 259 lbs.
- 40-Time: 4.57
- 10-Yard Split: 1.55
- Vertical: 39.5"
- Broad Jump: 10'5"
- 3-Cone: 7.15
- Shuttle: 4.19
Theo Johnson 2024 NFL DRAFT SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS:
- Alignment versatility in playing attached and detached to the formation, in the slot and split wide.
- Very good size and strength allows him to have success engaging and maintain blocks in run, screen game.
- Solid run blocker. Moves feet well and works hands to stay engaged with room for improvement with coaching.
- Good tempo and pace as a blocker, allowing him to take the right angles and stay under control when in space.
- Deceptive speed due to being a long strider and covers ground well vertically (good down the seams).
- Good feel for route running in relation to coverage in how he uses his stem to set up his routes and separate.
- Uses size well to make contested catches. Good catch radius to secure passes outside of his frame (RZ target).
- Solid runner after the catch, who uses a blend of speed and power to pick up additional yards.
WEAKNESSES:
- Better vertically than laterally. More smooth than sudden in his movements as route runner and ball carrier.
- Upright playing style with stiff hips and choppy footwork when redirecting laterally, effecting separation ability.
- Struggles to separate against quicker defenders on short to intermediate routes, especially in man coverage.
- Willing and capable blocker, but due to his size, he plays upright at the point of contact, at times limiting his movement.
NFL TRANSITION:
Johnson possesses the position versatility to be used in multiple personnel groups and schemes because of his ability to play attached and detached, especially in the slot and use in the red zone as matchup problem for opposing defenses. His ability to block allows him to be to be either a primary TE or secondary TE in multiple TE sets.
Very good blocker who plays under control with good technique at the point of attack while possessing the athleticism and movement skills to stay engaged. Big frame and catch radius allow him to make catches in traffic or over the middle of the field.
He is a long strider with deceptive vertical speed to allow him to attack the seams. He struggles to redirect laterally as a route runner due to his upright playing style limiting his separation out of sharper in and out-breaking routes. He has a good feel for defensive coverage schemes and finding voids when running his routes, especially over the middle down the seams.
Overall, Johnson is an all-around TE with noticeable upside potential, who has the ability to contribute as a run blocker and as a versatile pass catcher who can make plays from attached or detached alignment. Johnson can be a Year 1 contributor in multiple TE sets and eventually develop into a solid No. 1 TE.
OTHER NOTES:
Johnson came out of Canada as 4-star recruit and was ranked 61st in the National across all positions and ranked third at the TE position. Was selected to play in the Under Armour All-American Game prior to going to Penn State.
Started in 28 games over his last three seasons and was All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2023. Finished his career with 77 receptions, 938 yards and 12 TDs (7 TDs in 2023). Tied for fourth in the National among TEs with 11 receiving TDs over the last two seasons.
In 2022, Johnson had very good alignment versatility with 71 routes run from an attached TE alignment with 76 routes run from a slot alignment and 33 routes run from an outside WR alignment, having most of his success catching the ball and production from an attached alignment (13 receptions for 168 yards and 3 TDs). He had some success from the slot with six receptions for 132 yards and 1 TD.
In 2023, Johnson again had very good alignment versatility. He had even more routes run from a detached alignment in the slot, with 121 routes and 13 receptions for 127 yards and 3 TDs, with 24 routes run from an outside alignment (151 routes detached from formation) and had 97 routes run from an attached alignment with 17 catches for 185 yards and 4 TDs.