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Theo Johnson Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Good height, length
- Contributing underneath receiver
- Can win contested catches
- Big frame
- Body control
- Body awareness to box out defenders
- Steady hands
- Presents a big target
- Red-zone contributor
- Has the frame to be a blocker
- Starting Y tight end potential
Weaknesses:
- Doesn’t play with dominant speed or athleticism
- Not dynamic
- Will struggles to separate from man coverage in the NFL
- Not special after the catch
- Needs to improve as a blocker
- Not overly physical in blocking
Prospect Summary:
Johnson contributed somewhat over the past three seasons for Penn State. He had a decent debut (19-213-1) in 2021 and showed improvement in 2022 (20-328-4). Johnson’s final season with the Nittany Lions was his best, as he caught 34 passes for 341 yards and seven touchdowns.
Johnson is not overly fast or athletic for the passing game, but he is a solid backup-caliber tight end who could be thrown the ball somewhat because defenses will probably not devote much attention his direction. Thanks to nice technique, Johnson is a solid route-runner who does not take extra steps. He presents a big target and can high point the ball. While Johnson is not an elite receiving option, he has the ability to contribute some as a receiver in the NFL.
Johnson has room to improve his blocking for the NFL, but the skill set is there for him to eventually become a good blocker. He has good size and strength for engaging blocks. His technique needs refinement, but he has potential. Along with technique, the attitude needs to be ramped up, because he must get nastier to pack more of a punch and sustain his blocks. Johnson is going to have to discover a willing and aggressive attitude as a blocker to earn more playing time in the NFL.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, Johnson could go as high as the third round and probably won’t go lower than the fifth round. He has the potential to develop into a backup tight end who rotates into the game as a pro.
Prospect Comparison:
Hunter Long. Long reminds me of Hunter Long coming out of Boston College. Long (6-5, 253) was a quality blocker who could contribute as a receiver. In the pros, Long has been a backup tight end, and I could see Johnson being similar. Long was a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and Johnson could go in the same range this year during the 2024 NFL Draft.
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