Hello and welcome to the inaugural edition of the 2023 NFL Draft Focus. In this series, we will look at the incoming prospects hoping their names will be heard on draft night. Be sure to check often as we will produce content until the event’s start.
BACKGROUND
Quentin Johnston is a wide receiver from the state of Texas. As a high school prospect, he was the 80th overall prospect according to Rivals and was a four-star recruit. Originally, he was committed to playing for the Texas Longhorns but decided to change his commitment to the TCU Horned Frogs. Fun fact: He played baseball and track & field also in high school.
COLLEGE CAREER
The TCU wide receiver had early success as a true freshman. He had 487 yards on 22 catches and two TDs. Averaging 22.13 yards per catch, he is the current record-holder for average yards per catch by a freshman in the Big 12. His stock improved the year after as he caught 33 passes for 612 yards and six TDs. This performance earned him a First-Team All-Big 12 in 2021.
2022-2023 COLLEGE CAREER
A lot of expectations were on Johnson as multiple outlets had him as a possible 1st round pick even before the season started. Quentin was able to live up to those expectations with an amazing junior season. He was the best weapon on offense as he caught 60 passes for 1069 yards and six TDs. The receptions and yards are all career highs. His best game came against the #19 Kansas Jayhawks where he caught 14 passes for 206 yards and a TD.
TCU kept on winning and winning and they made their way to the #3 ranked team when the College Football Playoff started. Against the #2 ranked Michigan Wolverines, Quentin had a big game with six receptions for 163 yards and a TD. In the National Championship Game against the #1 ranked Georgia Bulldogs, the defense stopped TCU as Johnson had just a catch for three yards.
STRENGTHS: Size
There are not many WRs available that have the physical qualities of Quentin Johnston. He is listed at 6’4″ and 215 lbs and isn’t just a big target. He can accelerate and create separation against defensive backs. His movements are fluid, making him even more difficult to defend. Even if his stats don’t shout 1st rounder, his potential and gifts can overcome it.
WEAKNESSES: Durability
In his college career, Quentin has had to miss some games due to injury. This has been ongoing and is a concern, especially in the 1st round. As the injuries pile up, the body isn’t the same so hopefully, proper training and guidance in the NFL can help him overcome his durability concerns.
PLAYER COMPARISON: A.J. Green
TEAMS WHO COULD DRAFT HIM
Quentin Johnston’s stock and position in NFL mock drafts are all over the place. Experts have him as high as 14th to the New England Patriots. Another has him slotted 22nd to the Baltimore Ravens. There will always be a need for a big-body WR in the NFL. I can foresee him as high as 11th to the Tennessee Titans who lost A.J. Brown in last year’s preseason. In order to improve his stock, an impressive pro day and draft combine could see him slotted in the early half of the 1st round.
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