Quentin Johnston, WR TCU: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Johnston was a four-star recruit from Temple High School in Temple, Texas in the class of 2020
Quentin Johnston is unlike any wide receiver prospect who could enter the 2023 NFL Draft. The TCU star is 6'4", 212 lbs. and stands out in any lineup. However, it’s not just Johnston’s size that turns heads. He displayed tremendous skill over his first two years with the Horned Frogs and could develop into a first round pick.
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Quentin Johnston, WR TCU: 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Classification: Junior outside wide receiver from Temple, Texas
Background: Johnston was a four-star recruit from Temple High School in Temple, Texas in the class of 2020. He was the No. 71 recruit according to 247Sports, No. 80 for Rivals, and No. 85 for On3.com. ESPN ranked him 63rd in the nation with an 84 grade out of 100. Johnston averaged double-digit points per game in basketball as a high school senior, totaling close to 400 points for the season. He was also an award-winning high jumper. Johnston originally committed to the Texas Longhorns before switching to TCU.
2021 Production: 9 games, 33 receptions, 634 yards, 6 touchdowns
2020 Production: 9 games, 22 receptions, 487 yards, 2 touchdowns
Injuries & Off-Field: Missed three games with undisclosed injuries (2021)
Awards: 2020 Honorable Mention All-Big 12, 2021 First-Team All-Big 12
Pros: Mild exposure to the slot, eliminated drop issues in his sophomore season, arm length and catch radius, still has room to add weight, rare movement skills for a guy his size, occasionally wins contested catches downfield for massive plays, sinks well at the top of his routes for a big guy, battles through contact during the route, breaks tackles and keeps rumbling, acceleration, long strider who eliminates a corner’s cushion quickly, footwork and physicality help him beat press coverage, quick off the line, release package showed growth from 2020 to 2021, high points the football and rises to meet it
Cons: Only average production in contested catch situations despite his size, large frame for defenders to target in press, lacks experience on special teams, hasn’t had a dominant statistical season, doesn’t have great long speed, he might initially beat a corner but his speed allows the defender to catch up, lacks the speed to consistently threaten defenses vertically, ability to create separation is inconsistent, not twitchy, needs to do a better job using his frame as a blocker, needs to fill out route tree, route running is still too rounded at times
Overview: Johnston is unofficially listed at 6'4", 212 lbs. He’s still lean and has room to continue adding weight. The Texas native has surprising elusiveness for a player his size and some suddenness. Johnston’s long strides and acceleration are nightmares for defensive backs who often surrender four to six inches against the true junior. The build puts some limitations on Johnston’s game. He’s not very fast compared to other receivers in this class, and there are some instances of lower body stiffness limiting his ability to sink and cut at the top of his routes. His ability to consistently separate and beat press coverage at the NFL level will also raise questions. However, flashes of Johnston hauling in contested catches over defenders, outmuscling and accelerating past press coverage, and snapping off the top of his routes have scouts giddy about his potential to put everything together for a dominant 2022 campaign.
Overall, Johnston is one of the most physically imposing wide receivers to come through the draft process in recent years. His catch radius, strength, and ball skills are a lethal combination, but NFL teams need assurance that his physical limitations won’t prevent him from becoming a No. 1 or high-end No. 2 option in the pros.
Role & Scheme Fit: X receiver in an 11 personnel heavy scheme
Round Projection: Early Second to Late Second
Player Comparison: N/A
Submitted: 07-10-22