C.J. Johnson (WR) – East Carolina University / Junior (4th year)
6’2” / 222.0 (Official)
2022 Stats: 13 Games, 67 Receptions, 1016 Receiving Yards, 15.2 Yards Per Reception, 10 Receiving Touchdowns.
{Reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/cj-johnson-6.html}
Awards:
Measurables:
Games Watched: 2022 vs. Cincinnati, 2022 vs. South Florida
PRO’S
Johnson is built like a true power YAC receiver, standing over 6’2” he’s got the height of a wide receiver and at 222 lbs., he has the weight of a running back. Tough receiver, strong hands, willing to do the dirty work inside the hash marks as far as moving the chains and bringing down contested catches. CJ is a competitor, he takes his 1-on-1 battles personally and he lets the defender know when he’s got the best of them. Though he does not create major separation, he has good body control and does a good job of adjusting his body to increase the size of the passing window so he can come down with the catch. Aware of his limits with lack of vertical speed, puts his hands out late so the defensive backs that are trailing him are at a disadvantage.
CON’S
Johnson was suspended from the team indefinitely in February of 2022 for what coach Mike Houston said was “not living up to the standard we have set for our football program”. Johnson ultimately earned his wack back onto the team and played in 13 games but this is still a red flag. Not a separator, teams will have to utilize him in the slot like ECU did in 2022, get him off the LOS and scheme him open.
OVERALL
CJ has a strong resume, playing 4 years at ECU, racking up 175 receptions for 2849 yards and average yards per reception of 16.3 which is ranked 7th all time in the American Athletic Conference. Johnson is a competitor and you regularly see him chirping with defenders after coming down with a contested catch. The 2022 suspension will be a red flag and the fact that he did not do anything but interview at the combine may force him to be a late pick. Johnson is not a burner but he makes up for it by having strong hands, good body control and a powerful frame that he uses to work off defenders at the catch point or to run through defenders when he has become the ball carrier.
Completed by: @coachschepps, 03/04/23
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 03/04/23
