Could Juwan Johnson Be This Season’s Late-Round Steal?
The numbers tell a compelling story about Johnson’s early-season usage. Johnson has opened the season with nine or more targets in consecutive games while playing for a 0-2 team. This places him in remarkably exclusive company.
Since 2010, only six tight ends have accomplished this feat under similar circumstances. Johnson joins Jimmy Graham, who achieved this milestone twice for New Orleans in 2012 and 2014, accounting for half of these rare instances. The complete list includes 2013 Brandon Myers, 2019 Greg Olsen, and 2021 TJ Hockenson.
Johnson’s target volume reflects his growing importance in New Orleans’ struggling offense. While the Saints search for an offensive identity early in the season, they’ve consistently looked his direction when needing reliable production. His heavy usage suggests offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier views Johnson as a security blanket for quarterback Spencer Rattler.
The consistency extends beyond just target share. Johnson currently leads all Saints receivers this season, establishing himself as the team’s most dependable pass-catching option. This role represents a significant step forward for a player who entered the league as an undrafted wide receiver before converting to tight end.
Johnson has also recorded five or more receptions in four consecutive games dating back to last season. This streak ties him with Arizona’s Trey McBride for the longest active streak at the position across the NFL. The sustained production demonstrates Johnson’s reliability week after week, a crucial trait for fantasy managers seeking consistent points from the tight end position.
The historical context makes Johnson’s current streak even more impressive. Tight ends rarely maintain such consistent reception totals across multiple games, making his four-game run particularly noteworthy. McBride’s similar streak with the Cardinals suggests both players have carved out significant roles in their respective offenses.
Johnson’s emergence comes at the perfect time for fantasy managers who missed out on elite tight end options during drafts. The position remains notoriously thin after the top tier, making consistent producers like Johnson extremely valuable. His low draft cost combined with weekly starter upside creates excellent value for patient managers.
The Saints’ early struggles might actually benefit Johnson’s fantasy outlook. Teams playing from behind typically throw more frequently, potentially increasing target opportunities for reliable pass catchers. Johnson’s ability to find soft spots in coverage and provide his QB with a consistent target makes him an attractive option in negative game scripts.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s usage pattern suggests sustainability. The Saints clearly trust him in crucial situations, and his target share indicates he’s become integral to their offensive game plan. While touchdown production remains somewhat unpredictable for tight ends, Johnson’s consistent target volume provides a reliable floor for fantasy scoring.
Fantasy managers seeking tight end help should monitor Johnson’s availability on waivers. His combination of target volume, reception consistency, and historical context makes him one of the position’s most compelling pickups.
The PFSN data confirms what many astute fantasy players suspected: Johnson represents legitimate value at a position where consistent production is increasingly rare.
Carr is not on the Saints any more giving the impression this whole article is AI.