The Green Bay Packers ended a drought during the 2022 NFL Draft. With the selection of Quay Walker, it marked the first time that the Packers selected an off-the-ball linebacker in the first round since the late Ted Thompson selected A.J. Hawk with the fifth overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. A number of forces could see the Packers end another drought in the 2023 NFL Draft.
It’s been well documented that the Packers haven’t drafted a wide receiver in the first round since they selected Javon Walker with the 20th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft.
With Randall Cobb, Sammy Watkins, and Allen Lazard all set to be free agents following the upcoming season, the Packers could look to add a first-round wide receiver to the young core that consists of rookie wide receivers, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Samori Toure.
If Brian Gutekunst opts to add another playmaker to the mix, a wide receiver Green Bay’s general manager could target in the first round is TCU’s Quentin Johnston.
At 6-4, 215 pounds, with freaky athleticism, Johnson has all the tools to be a team’s No. 1 wide receiver.
trick shots only for Quentin Johnston pic.twitter.com/ifLrjNIATC
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 25, 2022
During his first year on campus, the former four-star recruit hauled in 22 receptions for 487 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 22.1 yards per reception, the highest mark in Big 12 history for a freshman. In eight games last season the TCU wide receiver recorded 33 receptions for 634 yards and six touchdowns.
With Sonny Dykes now calling the shots, Johnston could be in store for a monster season in what will likely be his final season at TCU.
“He had 22 catches as a freshman and 33 last year,” Steven Johnson, the TCU beat writer for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram said. “I think he could easily reach 50 this year and top 1,000 yards. He’s averaged 20.4 yards per catch in his career. That number might drop a little bit as TCU will use him in more ways in the short and intermediate game, but I think overall he’ll have a breakout year and solidify himself as a potential first-rounder.”
With his size and 4.4 speed, Johnston challenges cornerbacks vertically and eats up grass with his long strides. He has outstanding body control at the catch point and climbs the ladder to get the ball at the highest point.
Johnston is a big-play threat. For his career, he’s averaged 20.4 yards per reception. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnston recorded 16 receptions of 15-plus yards last season. His ability to create explosive plays is his trump card.
The early betting favorite to be No. 1 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown for 2023: TCU WR, Quentin Johnston. pic.twitter.com/qLoTRkrp94
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) June 9, 2022
“I think it starts with his ability to create separation and also hit his top speed rather quickly that helps in these situations,” Johnson said. “He’s a long strider, so it may not look like he’s running as fast as he actually is. When the ball is in play Johnston is usually stronger and longer than the opposing defensive back which is why he wins so much in these situations. His speed allows him to not be a receiver that relies on just winning contested catches though.”
With his size and quickness, Johnston is a terror in space for opposing defenses. He’s a load to take down for defensive backs and if he makes the first man miss he could be making a house call. According to PFF, Johnston has an average of 7.7 yards after the catch for his career and has forced 25 missed tackles. A pretty good clip for a wide receiver that only has 55 career receptions.
Yep. Still the early betting favorite to be No. 1 on the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Quentin Johnston had 16 receptions of 15-plus yards last season (PFF). pic.twitter.com/cY6LljyCnc
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) August 11, 2022
“I think it’s his size,” Johnson said. “He has really good wiggle for a receiver his size. For example, at practice on Monday, he caught a curl route, hit a quick spin move to left, and looked like he was about to take off on the defense.”
For a man of his size, he’s got the lower body flexibility of a smaller wide receiver. He’s able to drop his hips at the top of his routes and explode in and out of his breaks. In Garrett Riley’s offense, he’ll look to expand his route tree this fall.
“It’s an area where I think he’s been focusing on improving the most,” Johnson said. “The arrival of Sonny Dykes and Garrett Riley should help him in this area as he’ll be asked to do more by an offensive-minded staff. We know what he can do on the deep routes, but creating separation with his route running and not just his speed is the next step for him this year.”
Johnston is an alpha. He has all the tools to become a star wide receiver at the next level. He’s a long, explosive athlete with a huge catch radius. With his ability to win vertically and make plays after the catch, Johnston has the goods to tempt Brian Gutekunst to take a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002.
