Collin Johnson is without a doubt, a polarizing NFL prospect. Possessing an incredible 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame, the Texas wide receiver is built like a character you'd create to dominate in Madden.
Coming off a 2018 junior season that saw Johnson reel in 68 catches for 985 yards and seven touchdowns, the rising senior seemed prime to be a surefire first-round selection in 2020 with another strong season.
This season, however, Johnson has caught the injury bug and has only appeared in six games for the struggling, 6-5 Longhorns. In those six games, the former four-star recruit has caught 38 balls for 497 yards and two touchdowns–fairly consistent with his production last year on a per-game basis.
Other than his impressive size, Johnson has shown tracking skills and excellent body control. On the other hand, Johnson does not have elite speed or athleticism and often struggles to create separation at the line of scrimmage — something that could be a problem when matched up against more athletic and talented defensive backs.
With the Broncos trading away Emmanuel Sanders at this year's trade deadline, Denver could, and probably should be looking to bolster the receiving core. Denver has already begun to do so as they drafted tight end Noah Fant in the first round this past year and found a gem in Courtland Sutton who has already established himself as a possible future star in the league.
Assuming the Broncos are all in on second-round draft pick Drew Lock as the QB of the future, surrounding him with talent is imperative.
Johnson is no longer considered a first-round prospect with CBS Sports listing Johnson as the No. 12 WR prospect in the 2020 class. Although those rankings will likely change as the year goes on and players participate in the combine, it's likely that the Broncos could find Johnson on their laps in the second to fourth round.
He's a bit of a high risk, high reward prospect as many scouts aren't convinced with his athleticism and ability to create separation. But, there's one thing you can't teach and that's size and Johnson has that in spades.
Pairing the big-bodied Texas WR with Fant (6'4″, 249) and Sutton (6'4″, 215) could create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses and if the Broncos move on from Joe Flacco and give the reins to Lock, the ability to throw the ball up and let any of your big receivers come down with it is certainly a luxury the Broncos would love to have.
The Denver offense is in desperate need of some playmakers other than Sutton and running back Phillip Lindsay. If Johnson can fall to Denver in the middle to later rounds, a prospect with his physical attributes could be the perfect late-round steal the team is in desperate need for.
Follow Us
Subscribe