Theo Johnson is a tight end from Penn State University. The former Husky is expected to be a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He is currently No. 53 overall (TE 6) on our 2024 Dynasty Rookie Rankings & SuperFlex Big Board and will likely be a late-round pick in fantasy football dynasty rookie drafts.
Check out our Fantasy Stock Watch for our 2024 Rookie Draft Profiles and Scouting Reports.
THEO JOHNSON DRAFT PROFILE AND NFL COMBINE RESULTS
- As a High School Prospect: Composite 4-Star, 72 nationally (TE 3)
- Skillset & Traits: Theo Johnson showcased his athleticism with a remarkable Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.99, the best among his position at the 2024 NFL Combine and the second-highest ever recorded at TE. He has the physical presence to excel on the field and particularly exploits the seam. Johnson’s ability to secure contested passes adds to his value, and he demonstrates a sharp awareness of coverage on option routes. While his blocking skills are decent, there’s room for improvement to increase his time on the field. Despite his impressive athleticism, his performance after the catch is average, and he has had limited college production, partly due to a lack of opportunities in the slot.
- Production: Johnson finished his four-year career with 77 receptions for 938 yards (12.2 avg) and 12 touchdowns in 44 games played.
- NFL Combine Results: Height: 6’6″ Weight: 259 lbs Arm: 33″ Hand: 10 1/4″
THEO JOHNSON SCOUTING REPORT
STRENGTHS:
- Athletic freak, posting the best Relative Athletic Score (RAS) at 2024 NFL Combine for his position (9.99) and the second-best RAS score ever for his position
- Looks the part
- Does most of his damage in the seam
- Above-average as a contested pass-catcher
- Keen sense of reading coverage on option routes
- Decent motor as a run blocker
- Will likely be more of a factor in the NFL
WEAKNESSES:
- Can improve blocking to stay on the field for more snaps
- His elite athleticism does not ‘pop’ and is average after the catch (5.0 yds after catch/reception and only two missed tackles forced)
- Limited college production
- Not his fault, but would have liked to see him as the first option at times
THEO JOHNSON PRODUCTION PROFILE
Theo Johnson’s production and analytics profile aren’t dazzling like his athletic profile. In 44 games with 29 starts, Johnson posted 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns.
As a redshirt junior in 2023, Johnson started all 13 games. He finished the season with 34 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns on 45 targets — showing off his size and athleticism down the seam. Of his 318 snaps, he lined up in-line 153 times and in the slot 121 times.
When looking at his advanced stats from 2023, it’s not impressive for a man who drips in athleticism. He tied for 101st in the country with only 5 yards after catch per reception. His average depth of target (aDOT) was 7.2, which was tied for 95th in the country. He only forced two missed tackles on the season (T-108th) and had two deep catches all season.
As a redshirt sophomore, Johnson had his best PFF grade (70.8). He caught 24 of 20 targets for 328 yards (career-high 16.4 yds per reception) and four touchdowns. Although his yards per reception were a career-high (16.4), he was still underutilized in Penn State’s passing attack, finishing ninth on the team in total touches and tied for sixth in receptions.
While the production is not elite by any means, he did start nine games as a redshirt freshman, finishing with 20 receptions for 328 yards and four touchdowns on 29 targets. He was brutal as a run blocker, with only a 50.5 PFF grade. However, the team trusted him enough to play in 11 games as its featured tight end. A player of his stature and athleticism will always find a way onto the field.
THEO JOHNSON NFL COMBINE & RAS SCORE
Theo Johnson had the best TE RAS Score in his class and the second-best TE RAS Score ever.
BOTTOM LINE
Theo Johnson entered college as a highly sought-after recruit, boasting an impressive physique and promising traits. However, scouts may find a lack of consistency and highlights that match his elite athletic profile on his game film, potentially tempering expectations for his NFL and fantasy outlook.
Despite the criticisms, Johnson’s athleticism stands out prominently, evidenced by his remarkable RAS at the 2024 NFL Combine, ranking as the best in his class and second-best all-time at his position.
His proficiency in exploiting the seam and adeptness in reading coverage on option routes showcase his potential to impact the passing game. Yet, his after-catch performance and overall production at the collegiate level have been somewhat limited, raising questions about his ability to contribute at the next level consistently.
As Johnson transitions to the NFL, his physical gifts offer a foundation for development, but he must refine his skills and increase his productivity to secure a significant role. While his potential is undeniable, unlocking his full capabilities may require addressing areas of weakness and maximizing his strengths to become more than just an average fantasy TE2 with a high ceiling.
