One of the most electric wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft is Oregon’s Tez Johnson.
After a successful collegiate career that saw him start at Troy and become one of the game’s most dynamic receivers, Johnson looks to carry his momentum to the professional level.
Tez Johnson’s Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 5’10″
- Weight: 165 pounds
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Oregon
- Current Year: Redshirt Senior
Scouting Report
Johnson grew up in the Birmingham, Alabama area, spending most of his life in government-subsidized housing when he lost his father at a young age. He ended up adopted by Patrick Nix, a former Auburn quarterback who is the father of Johnson’s teammate in high school and Oregon, current Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. A three-star recruit at Pinson Valley High School, Johnson committed to play football at Troy.
Stepping into Troy’s rotation in 2020, Johnson caught 18 passes for 211 yards as a true freshman. He took on a bigger role in 2021, leading the team with 67 catches for 735 yards and four touchdowns in an effort that saw him named third-team All-Sun Belt. He added a rushing touchdown to the mix, as well.
The 2022 season was a strong junior year for Johnson, as he led Troy in receiving categories again. He finished with 56 catches for 863 yards and four touchdowns, giving him some momentum as he headed into the transfer portal. The process ended up with him landing at Oregon, where his adoptive brother Nix had just transferred to the year before.
Some have found it challenging to jump to a big school from a Group of 5 program over the years, but Johnson adapted very quickly. He actually put together a career year, totaling 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also stepped in as Oregon’s primary punt returner, averaging 9.5 yards per return on 20 returns.
Many viewed Johnson as a candidate to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, but he decided to stay at Oregon for his final year of COVID-added eligibility. With teammate Troy Franklin gone to the pros, Johnson both entered and finished the year as the Ducks’ leading receiver. He was a second-team All-Big-Ten nominee with 83 catches, 898 yards, and 10 touchdowns, all which were team highs. He also ran a punt back for a touchdown on one of his 13 returns.
Strengths
- Had a drop percentage of just 2.9% in 2024.
- Effective slot receiver who has taken 87.8% of his offensive reps in college inside.
- Quick wide receiver who accelerates well off the line of scrimmage and possesses good vertical athleticism to make him a valuable deep threat.
- Has a good feel for how to adjust his stems depending on what coverage he’s facing, adjusting his footwork and tempo to best exploit its weaknesses.
- Has a high level of spatial awareness, which allows him to sit in soft spots and work himself open for his quarterback.
- Creative runner after the catch who makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands.
- Capable of seeing the whole field well as a YAC receiver, and his agility helps him act on those reads.
- Twitchy receiver who accelerates well laterally coming out of his breaks.
Weaknesses
- Likely a slot-only player at the next level.
- Undersized receiver who doesn’t have a massive catch radius and possesses a skinny frame.
- Doesn’t have the raw size or play strength needed to keep his balance through physical press coverage closer to the line of scrimmage.
- Won’t impress anyone with his physicality at the catch point.
- Drop rates prior to 2024 ranged from average to below average.
- Doesn’t consistently shed tackles after the catch, as he has rather pedestrian contact balance.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
Johnson is a productive slot receiver whose tape generates looks due to his twitchy style of play and high route-running IQ.
He understands how to work himself open, using a variety of releases and adjusting his stems to best attack each coverage he faces. He’s crisp coming out of his cuts and has the agility to make defenders miss after the catch. Though he thrives in shorter routes, he has the speed to take the top off the defense, too.
Given his smaller stature and lack of ideal physicality, there’s always going to be a cap on how high Johnson’s ceiling is at the next level. He struggles against press coverage and, while he can win on the perimeter if he has enough space, has limitations that can only take him so far against bigger and stronger cornerbacks.
Johnson feels like a potential starting slot receiver at the next level. He probably won’t ever be a true WR1 for an NFL team, but he could certainly be a reliable third or even second option for someone’s passing attack. His experience as a return man on special teams gives him some additional value, too. He would be good value starting in Round 3, and if he somehow falls into Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, you’re bordering on steal territory with him.