One of the most important pieces of a surprise TCU team that made it all the way to the national championship game, Quentin Johnston is a physical specimen who will look to show out even more during the evaluation process going forward into the 2023 NFL draft.
Here is everything you need to know about TCU’s top weapon:
Vitals
Height: 6-4
Weight: 215
Class: Junior
Strengths
Without a doubt one of the biggest physical specimens going into this draft, Johnston stands out on the field as a huge looming threat over opposing defensive backs. He could easily be confused for a tight end who was put out wide. His size should not fool you, however, as he is one of the most explosive receivers in the entire class. Johnston can put you on your butt off the line and then gallop down the field in an instant. His overall size is not a deficit to his speed, and he is a bit of a unicorn similar to Mike Evans in his ability to shred defenses with his size and speed.
In the red zone, Johnston is obviously a threat as he is much bigger than the average corner. His ability to get off press and find himself in the proper position for a jump ball often times mean he rarely has to fight for the ball in the first place, but when he does he is one of the best in the short area adjustment and clawing at the ball with massive hands to put the ball in the paint.
Johnston has used his rare gifts to put together quite the resume, and while he never put up eye popping numbers in a limited TCU passing attack, he was a clear threat for the Horned Frogs. In 2020 as a Freshman he put up a ridiculous 22.1 yards per catch, and this past season he had his best statistical year yet despite battling through tough injuries with over 1,000 yards and six touchdowns.
Weaknesses
Johnston has faced multiple injuries in his career that have limited him and while injuries are not something within his ability to help or change it will be somewhat of a red flag for teams moving forward.
While he is a fairly talented route runner, Johnston could benefit from more coaching in this department. Learning to angle his body and sink his hips in and out of routes more efficiently and consistently will help him be even more explosive out of his breaks, and with his down-the-field speed he could become quite scary at the next level.
Projection
Quentin Johnston is unquestionably one of the most talented offensive players in the draft. With his size speed combo, and incredible work ethic as shown by stern improvement each year, teams will be excited about his ability to develop into the next great true X-receiver in the NFL. Injuries and some stiffness may ultimately prevent him from going as high as his body of work and physical upside would indicate, but he should still be the first receiver off the board regardless.
Projection:
Top 15 Pick
