2019 WR watch

[RobR]

14 minutes ago, sec101row23 said:

I agree.  I was thinking high 3rd at best.  Unless he runs a crazy fast 40, which I don’t think he will. 

That will be his downfall, although I think he might do well in the other tests.

[sec101row23]

Just now, RobR said:

That will be his downfall, although I think he might do well in the other tests.

His vertical is going to wow people I think.  

[RobR]

1 hour ago, sec101row23 said:

His vertical is going to wow people I think.  

He'll measure great, jump far and high, will do well on the agility drills but will bomb the 40. With no second and assuming we go LT in the first, I'd love to grab him in the third. Him and Herndon could present mismatches that Darnold could use in the future.

[sec101row23]

Saw D.K Metcalf (ole Miss) hurt his neck and needs surgery, out for the rest of the year.  Wonder if he comes out now?  

This is actually shaping up to be a pretty good WR draft, especially if you like big receivers.  

In fact, despite Metcalf's towering presence, the 2019 receiver draft class will likely feature a plethora of tall, matchup nightmares. Harry, Harmon, Arcega-Whiteside, Johnson along with Texas' Collin Johnson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Iowa State's Hakeem Butler, Penn State's Juwan Johnson, and West Virginia's David Sills are all listed at 6-2 or taller.

[Paradis]

1 hour ago, sec101row23 said:

Saw D.K Metcalf (ole Miss) hurt his neck and needs surgery, out for the rest of the year.  Wonder if he comes out now?  

This is actually shaping up to be a pretty good WR draft, especially if you like big receivers.  

In fact, despite Metcalf's towering presence, the 2019 receiver draft class will likely feature a plethora of tall, matchup nightmares. Harry, Harmon, Arcega-Whiteside, Johnson along with Texas' Collin Johnson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Iowa State's Hakeem Butler, Penn State's Juwan Johnson, and West Virginia's David Sills are all listed at 6-2 or taller.

I've only recently become attracted to Juwan Johnson... but there's something there. I know Collin Johnson is well liked, but I've become a bigger fan of Humphrey - that guy is something. have to watch more though.

This list needs more J. Hurd   

[sec101row23]

1 minute ago, Paradis said:

I've only recently become attracted to Juwan Johnson... but there's something there. I know Collin Johnson is well liked, but I've become a bigger fan of Humphrey - that guy is something. have to watch more though.

This list needs more J. Hurd   

Those two Texas receivers were making one contested catch after another against OU.  Humphrey seems to have a little bit more speed to his game but both are huge catch radius guys. 

[Patriot Killa]

On 10/16/2018 at 10:13 AM, sec101row23 said:

Saw D.K Metcalf (ole Miss) hurt his neck and needs surgery, out for the rest of the year.  Wonder if he comes out now?  

This is actually shaping up to be a pretty good WR draft, especially if you like big receivers.  

In fact, despite Metcalf's towering presence, the 2019 receiver draft class will likely feature a plethora of tall, matchup nightmares. Harry, Harmon, Arcega-Whiteside, Johnson along with Texas' Collin Johnson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Iowa State's Hakeem Butler, Penn State's Juwan Johnson, and West Virginia's David Sills are all listed at 6-2 or taller.

I think Metcalf is a monster and I’d take AJ Brown in this draft then Metcalf or Jonathan Taylor next year lmfao.

[sec101row23]

16 hours ago, Patriot Killa said:

I think Metcalf is a monster and I’d take AJ Brown in this draft then Metcalf or Jonathan Taylor next year lmfao.

Metcalf could still come out this year.  

[C Mart]

fwiw and I know it's a long ways until April '19

Gil Brandt‏ @Gil_Brandt

Looking at top 50 players for 2019 draft (incl underclassmen I think are coming out) I understand what Dallas is thinking. No WR in top 25. Say Cowboys draft around 20, they'd be reaching for WR less capable than Cooper & they get him for 9 games in 2018. Good deal for Cowboys.

[Guilhermezmc]

DK Metcalf looks like the real deal to me.

[Scoop24]

 

[C Mart]

NFL Prospect Recap: Embracing the artform of route-running is Texas WR Collin Johnson’s NFL ticket

By Dane Brugler Oct 29, 2018 

Does the 2019 NFL Draft class have a lock top-20 draft pick at wide receiver? No. But there is ample amount of talent and potential at the position with double-digit wide receivers who will be considered in the 20-60 overall range.

With a logjam of receiver talent at the top, I went to the trusty All-22 tape to try and separate them based on the first half of this season, studying each wide receiver in succession.

Arizona State’s N’Keal Harry was outstanding at the catch point, but his lack of dynamic route-running is a glaring concern.

Ole Miss’ A.J. Brown is a natural route-runner and hands-catcher, but he is slot-only on film and is a complete projection lining up outside and facing press.

Stanford’s JJ Arcega-Whiteside. Georgia’s Riley Ridley. South Carolina’s Bryan Edwards. The list goes on and on. Each impressed in different ways, but no one truly surprised based on expectations and previous film work.

Until I reached Texas junior WR Collin Johnson (6-5, 224, 4.56).

Studying Johnson over the summer, I saw an imposing athlete with long-striding speed and a large catch radius. However, consistency was an issue due to upright routes and general lack of rhythm, which is often the case with receivers his size.

However, I was floored by the improvements on his 2018 film (tapes viewed: USC, TCU, Oklahoma, Baylor) compared to his first few seasons. Johnson was the same imposing athlete with long-striding speed and a large catch radius, but his polished patterns and clean footwork were an unexpected sight. His routes showed tempo, timing and deception based on coverage reads, manipulating cornerbacks and creating separation out of his breaks.

Johnson is also aggressively playing up to his grandiose size, something that wasn’t always the case on last year’s tape – both as a receiver and blocker. With the wingspan of a condor and body control of a dancer, he expands his catch radius to make acrobatic adjustments on the football, regardless if the ball placement is at his cleats or above his head. While he needs to continue improving in contested situations, Johnson’s ability to beat press coverage and shield defenders from the catch point are understated assets.

Johnson’s improvements from both a technical and strength perspective have resulted in more impact plays in 2018, leading the team with 46 catches for 628 yards and five touchdowns through eight games. Those numbers might not jump off the screen, but his improvements on tape certainly do. Route-running is an artform that requires precision, pacing and plenty of practice. And Johnson’s refined routes have gone from paint-by-numbers to fine art over the last 18 months.

If he finishes as strong as he started and declares, I expect Johnson to be the first Longhorns receiver to be drafted in the top-50 picks since Roy Williams in 2004 – and the first round isn’t out of the discussion.

Other draft notes

NC State junior WR Kelvin Harmon (6-3, 217, 4.49) is another prospect in the logjam of talented wide receiver prospects with first-round aspirations and he went off against Syracuse on Saturday. The Wolfpack wideout tallied 11 catches for 247 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Orange struggled to contain him. Harmon has good route speed and shows the footwork to work the sideline or create his own separation at the top of routes. He is well-built for the position and his play strength might be his best trait, not allowing defensive backs to overpower him at the catch point. While his physicality is a strong selling point, Harmon has a few bothersome habits like unnecessarily jumping at the catch point or relying on his body to finish catches. Nonetheless, Harmon is an intriguing prospect and his play against Syracuse showed exactly why.

As I profiled a month ago, no 2019 NFL prospect has made a more substantial jump from his junior to senior season than Kentucky senior EDGE Josh Allen (6-4, 262, 4.68). He continued his senior surge with an outstanding performance in the comeback win over Missouri, finishing with 11 tackles, 2.0 sacks and two forced fumbles. Allen is one of only two FBS players with double-digit sacks and his five forced fumbles is tied for the best in the country. A striking element of his superb play has been his ability to close out games, avoiding fatigue and maintain his high level of play – of his 10 sacks this season, nine have come in the second half. Based on his junior tape, Allen was maybe a top-100 draft pick. After adding 25 pounds of muscle and expanding his pass rush skills as a senior, Allen has put himself in the top-10 conversation.

While Josh Allen has played his best in the second half, it has been the opposite for Missouri’s offense, which finished Saturday’s loss to Kentucky with eight straight three-and-outs. In “clutch” moments, the quarterback needs to make plays that preserve or lead to a win. But senior QB Drew Lock (6-3, 225, 4.80) has struggled in tight moments, especially against better competition. In eight games in 2018, Missouri has faced four SEC opponents (Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Kentucky) and four unranked nonconference opponents (UT-Martin, Wyoming, Purdue, Memphis) – and the difference in production has been staggering.

Drew Lock in 2018	COMP	ATT	COMP%	PASS YDS	PASS TD	INT
vs. Non-Conference	101	142	71.1	1,412	15	1
vs. SEC Opponents	68	137	49.6	732	1	5

More interesting stats: Regardless of competition, Lock has struggled to finish once the field shrinks. In 37 red zone trips this season, Lock is completing only 23.8 percent of his throws (10 for 42). He has also struggled to bring his team back from a deficit. When Missouri is losing by 14 or fewer points, Lock is completing only 43.1 percent (25 for 58) of his passes for 280 yards, one passing touchdown and four interceptions. These numbers aren’t a complete reflection of quarterback play. Lock has dealt with drops, spotty protection and injuries to his supporting cast, specifically WR Emanuel Hall. But that is part of football, especially in the NFL – the situation will rarely be perfect, and the quarterback needs to overcome adversity. With a strong pre-draft process, Lock will remain in the first-round discussion, mostly due to his physical traits, but his distressing situational production is a bright red flag.

While NFL scouts think there is a decent chance that Oregon QB Justin Herbert goes back to school, there is another underclassmen quarterback who they expect to go pro. Talking to area scouts who have been through Buffalo, they think redshirt junior QB Tyree Jackson (6-6, 248, 4.88) will skip his senior season and enter the 2019 NFL Draft (NFL scout: “Unless something changes, it sure sounds like he’ll be part of this upcoming draft.”). Jackson is a large-framed passer with a strong arm to unleash downfield throws with ease. However, he is still unpolished in several aspects of playing the position, staring down his reads and dropping his eyes with the hint of pressure. Jackson’s stats have been reflective of his up-and-down play this season, completing only 56.5 percent of his passes, but he is one of the main reasons Buffalo is 7-1 and in control of the MAC East. While time will tell if he follows through and leaves after this season, there is no question he could benefit with added growth at the college level. Haven’t seen him yet? Buffalo hosts Miami (Ohio) this Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Deep Sleeper Alert: UAB senior EDGE Jamell Garcia-Williams (6-8, 257, 4.80) is an under-the-radar prospect who has piqued the interest of several in the NFL scouting community. After starting his collegiate career at Eastern Arizona College, the Las Vegas native transferred to UAB prior to last season, serving as a special teamer and backup in 2017. Garcia-Williams earned a starting role for his senior season and ranks fourth in Conference USA with 6.5 sacks through eight games. The UAB pass rusher has an intriguing body type with length and long-strides to threaten the corner. His coaches speak highly of his instincts and work ethic, but he needs to get stronger and improve the technical aspects of the position to stick in the NFL. Despite his relative inexperience, he grew up around the game because of his father, Jerrol Williams, who was a fourth-round pick in the 1989 NFL Draft out of Purdue and played seven seasons in the NFL. Jamell’s older brother, Jerrol Garcia-Williams, was an undrafted linebacker out of Hawaii in the 2017 NFL Draft and played in 11 games last season for the Denver Broncos (currently on injured reserve after tearing his ACL in August). Although Jamell Garcia-Williams will likely need time on a practice squad, he is a talented lump of clay who teams might consider late in the draft.

Last week in this space, I wrote that Utah junior RB Zack Moss (5-9, 220, 4.53) had a “decent chance” to finish as RB1 in my draft rankings if he declares. Maybe it added a little extra motivation because he ran over and through the UCLA defense on Friday night, finishing with 211 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Moss averaged 8.1 yards per carry against the Bruins, pushing his yards per carry average to 6.0 on the season, which is fourth-best in college football among runners with at least 150 carries.

NFL Rookies of the Week: Green Bay Packers CB Jaire Alexander was outstanding on Sunday, finishing with five pass breakups and seven tackles against the Rams. He was No. 16 overall on my draft board (and drafted No. 18 overall by the Packers) and has absolutely lived up to that high projection with his reaction quickness and toughness. Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert had only one target in the win over the Jaguars, but he made it count with a 32-yard touchdown reception. He has scored in back-to-back weeks and has proven to be a reliable option as a pass-catcher (17 catches on 20 targets).  

[Paradis]

Nice share ^^

C. Johnson has really come on this year, along with this partner Humphrey (the next Landry/Beckham duo)... Getting lots of love right now across Draft-Twitter. 

[sec101row23]

1 hour ago, Paradis said:

Nice share ^^

C. Johnson has really come on this year, along with this partner Humphrey (the next Landry/Beckham duo)... Getting lots of love right now across Draft-Twitter. 

I love the quote “with a wingspan of a condor and body control of a dancer”......when was the last time the Jets drafted that type of receiver?  Keyshawn? Maybe. 

[Paradis]

I love the quote “with a wingspan of a condor and body control of a dancer”......when was the last time the Jets drafted that type of receiver?  Keyshawn? Maybe. 

Well when you consider the last time we drafted a WR in the 1st round was in... 2001.

That was literally before 9/11. Many posters here have kids are in high school and born after we drafted Santana Moss. Really think about that.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Paradis]

Anthony Johnson setting records tonight against Miami (OH)... 

[sec101row23]

10 hours ago, Paradis said:

Anthony Johnson setting records tonight against Miami (OH)... 

That Buffalo QB is one awkward looking QB...Lol.  Johnson is smooth though.  

[sec101row23]

10 hours ago, Paradis said:

Anthony Johnson setting records tonight against Miami (OH)... 

[Paradis]

That Buffalo QB is one awkward looking QB...Lol.  Johnson is smooth though.  

I know right, like a lanky guy in bad fitting shoulder pads.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[C Mart]

SLEEPER ALERT: FRESNO STATE WR KEESEAN JOHNSON

BRAD KELLY NOVEMBER 1, 2018

While the information age has made it increasingly tougher to find “sleepers” in the NFL Draft, some players will always slip through the cracks. Currently, there is a senior wide receiver prospect that is flying under the radar, and I’m here to end that. His name is KeeSean Johnson.

No, not that Keyshawn Johnson. It’s K – E – E – S – E – A – N.

The Fresno State product has been eating this season, accumulating 54 receptions, 761 yards and 6 touchdowns through 8 games. Coming off the heels of a 1,000 yard season, it’s hard to figure out why Johnson isn’t getting more love.

Johnson hails from the same high school as former Fresno State Bulldog and current Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams. Despite redshirting as a freshman, Johnson has progressed into a draftable talent. At 6-foot-2 and 199 pounds, he has solid size for the next level.

What sticks out about Johnson’s film is that he catches everything. I mean, everything. His natural hands are a weapon at the catchpoint, as he beautifully tracks the ball and gets his mitts on the football. Johnson has even shown the ability to make one-handed receptions look elementary if a defensive back has one of his arms hooked.

While Johnson doesn’t have elite explosiveness or long speed, his athleticism is more than passable. Additionally, he has excellent body control that generally allows him to make plays at the catchpoint. He positions his body well and does a good job of shielding defensive backs away from the ball. Paired with his natural hands, Johnson is open even when he is covered.

Johnson is a smooth operator with flexibility as a route runner. He does an excellent job of bending and torquing his upper body to accelerate his breaks. The “something extra” in his routes is how he uses his hands to avoid contact from defensive backs, and he will separate at the top of the route with a little physicality when necessary. Johnson’s route running prowess and body control adds to his potential versatility in for an NFL offense.

The final and possibly most impressive portion of Johnson’s game is the motor and intensity he plays with. Relentless with the ball in his hands, Johnson’s balance and toughness makes him a nightmare for defensive backs to tackle. While not the most elusive or slippery runner, he will still pick up yards after the catch as he powers through tackles. Few wide receiver prospects consistently play with the level of fight Johnson has.

Johnson will likely be projected in the later portions of the NFL Draft, but don’t be surprised when I am higher on him than most. While he isn’t the alpha athlete at the position, Johnson can hurt defenses in a variety of different ways. NFL teams will likely value his potential as a possession receiver who constantly gets open, as well as appreciate the fire he plays with. Athletic testing could be a massive boost to Johnson’s draft stock, but the tape he has put together this season should undoubtedly be warranting more buzz.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/11/01/sleeper-alert-fresno-state-wr-keesean-johnson/

 

To answer the question - Not:

Personal: Born in Mountain View, Calif. ... son of Monique Burns and Sean Johnson

[C Mart]

SI: Another Down Year for Receivers in the NFL Draft 

By KALYN KAHLER October 31, 2018

At face value, the Amari Cooper trade to Dallas confirmed the reality that Jon Gruden is rebuilding the Raiders, starting with a firesale. Yes, Oakland is tanking and the Cowboys are hurting for receivers, but this trade might say as much about the 2019 draft’s class of receivers as it does about either team.

Sending their 2019 first-round pick for the talented yet inconsistent Cooper is a sign that the Cowboys are taking a win-now approach in the wide-open NFC East. But it could also signal that Dallas doesn’t see a receiver in next spring’s draft whom they’d rather have than Cooper. The MMQB polled five team scouts who all agreed that there isn’t a stud receiver in the 2019 class, a second straight down year at the position. One evaluator (who doesn’t work for the Cowboys) believes the trade made sense because none of the draft’s receivers measure up to Cooper.

Ole Miss junior A.J. Brown’s name came up most often as the guy at the top of the 2019 receiver class. The 6' 1" receiver has a knack for making tough catches in traffic and has a good blend of size and speed. He has 60 catches for 805 yards through eight games this season and will take on an even bigger role in the offense now that sophomore receiver D.K. Metcalf is out for the season.

Some scouts think Metcalf has more ability than Brown, but the redshirt sophomore is now out for the season with a neck injury and seems more likely to return to Oxford for another season. Before his injury, the big-bodied Metcalf was having a standout season, and was considered likely to forego his junior and senior seasons for the NFL.

A few scouts voiced concern about drafting an Ole Miss receiver with a high pick, citing former Rebels star Laquon Treadwell’s struggles since Minnesota took him 23rd overall in 2016. Brown is a better athlete than Treadwell, but he doesn’t run a full route tree and Ole Miss receivers often get one-word playcalls, which is not a reality in the NFL. One scout said he didn’t subscribe to that theory, because all college offenses develop players for their system rather than for an NFL system—it’s up to NFL staffs to teach their material to their players.

Arizona State junior N’Keal Harry could end up being the first receiver off the board this spring. At 6' 4", he’s a big target who has been held under 60 receiving yards in a game only once this season. In Saturday’s win over USC, Harry made an acrobatic one-handed catch while falling backwards—he was almost completely horizontal when he stretched his arm back behind him to pluck the ball. That play showed off one of his strengths—the ability to consistently make difficult, contested catches downfield.

Oklahoma junior Marquise Brown is also in the first-round conversation. At 5' 10", he’s not as big as Harry or Brown, but he’s a skilled route runner and downfield threat, averaging 18.5 yards per catch with seven touchdowns this season. Buffalo senior Anthony Johnson is also garnering attention; he’s also been praised for his route running and is now averaging 21.0 yards per catch on the year after Tuesday night’s 238-yard, three-TD performance against Miami-Ohio.

Here are a couple other names and scouting reports that have come up in conversations with NFL scouts:

JJ Arcega Whiteside, Jr., Stanford: “He knows how to play big in the red zone and is a consistent mismatch in Pac-12. He also continues to improve as a technician and route runner and is not just a one-trick pony. Some may worry about his lack of elite speed, but he won't be asked to take the top off of NFL defenses so it is a bit unfair to crush him for that. Probably a second- or third-round guy.”

Deebo Samuel, Sr., South Carolina: “I would have maybe taken him in the late first round a year ago, but he's not been as good after the injury [Samuel broke his leg in September of 2017 and missed the rest of the season]. He’s been a little disappointing this year. Looks heavy. Not as dynamic. Has shown good playmaking ability over his career. Strong with ball in hands. Needs a good Senior Bowl.”

Kelvin Harmon, Jr., N.C. State: “He’s a big guy [6' 3", 215] and he’s got skills.”

Parris Campbell, Sr., Ohio State: “Great speed. Smooth and sudden, but has bad hands. He’s a great athlete, so he’ll probably be a second round or third round guy.”

Riley Ridley, Jr., and Mecole Hardman, Jr., Georgia: Ridley is the younger brother of Falcons 2018 first-round receiver Calvin Ridley. “Ridley is as talented as any of these guys, if he decides to come out. He just hasn't had a lot of opportunities because Georgia’s offense doesn't feature him. I also like Hardman. He is blazing fast but he’s small [5' 11"].”

Stanley Morgan, Sr., Nebraska: Morgan is the son of the former Patriots Pro Bowl receiver of the same name. “Good sized kid, looks the part. Long arms equals big catch radius. High-cut frame, so longer legs. These guys usually aren't as good changing direction in a short area. More of a possession-type guy, short to intermediate range receiver. Better on routes on the move, linear/angle cuts than short space. Speed is above average, more build up than explosive vertical/home run threat. Strong and tough after the catch, can work middle and in a crowd. Probably a third rounder.”

Emanuel Hall, Sr. Missouri: “Been hurt for most of the year. Pretty much the opposite of Morgan. Good size, but strictly an outside, vertical threat guy. Has excellent speed, stretches the field easily. Raw route runner, doesn’t run a big route tree in this offense. Not as physical in terms of play style. Has more upside and immediate vision to contribute in a vertical/outside role in the league.”

https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/10/31/2019-nfl-draft-wrs-wide-receivers-wideouts-aj-brown-nkeal-harry-marquise-brown-scouting-reports

[Paradis]

22 hours ago, C Mart said:

SLEEPER ALERT: FRESNO STATE WR KEESEAN JOHNSON

BRAD KELLY NOVEMBER 1, 2018

While the information age has made it increasingly tougher to find “sleepers” in the NFL Draft, some players will always slip through the cracks. Currently, there is a senior wide receiver prospect that is flying under the radar, and I’m here to end that. His name is KeeSean Johnson.

No, not that Keyshawn Johnson. It’s K – E – E – S – E – A – N.

The Fresno State product has been eating this season, accumulating 54 receptions, 761 yards and 6 touchdowns through 8 games. Coming off the heels of a 1,000 yard season, it’s hard to figure out why Johnson isn’t getting more love.

Johnson hails from the same high school as former Fresno State Bulldog and current Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams. Despite redshirting as a freshman, Johnson has progressed into a draftable talent. At 6-foot-2 and 199 pounds, he has solid size for the next level.

What sticks out about Johnson’s film is that he catches everything. I mean, everything. His natural hands are a weapon at the catchpoint, as he beautifully tracks the ball and gets his mitts on the football. Johnson has even shown the ability to make one-handed receptions look elementary if a defensive back has one of his arms hooked.

While Johnson doesn’t have elite explosiveness or long speed, his athleticism is more than passable. Additionally, he has excellent body control that generally allows him to make plays at the catchpoint. He positions his body well and does a good job of shielding defensive backs away from the ball. Paired with his natural hands, Johnson is open even when he is covered.

Johnson is a smooth operator with flexibility as a route runner. He does an excellent job of bending and torquing his upper body to accelerate his breaks. The “something extra” in his routes is how he uses his hands to avoid contact from defensive backs, and he will separate at the top of the route with a little physicality when necessary. Johnson’s route running prowess and body control adds to his potential versatility in for an NFL offense.

The final and possibly most impressive portion of Johnson’s game is the motor and intensity he plays with. Relentless with the ball in his hands, Johnson’s balance and toughness makes him a nightmare for defensive backs to tackle. While not the most elusive or slippery runner, he will still pick up yards after the catch as he powers through tackles. Few wide receiver prospects consistently play with the level of fight Johnson has.

Johnson will likely be projected in the later portions of the NFL Draft, but don’t be surprised when I am higher on him than most. While he isn’t the alpha athlete at the position, Johnson can hurt defenses in a variety of different ways. NFL teams will likely value his potential as a possession receiver who constantly gets open, as well as appreciate the fire he plays with. Athletic testing could be a massive boost to Johnson’s draft stock, but the tape he has put together this season should undoubtedly be warranting more buzz.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/11/01/sleeper-alert-fresno-state-wr-keesean-johnson/

 

To answer the question - Not:

Personal: Born in Mountain View, Calif. ... son of Monique Burns and Sean Johnson

Keesean? I wonder if it's unspoken competition to find new ways to spell a kids name. 

[Patriot Killa]

On 11/1/2018 at 1:23 PM, C Mart said:

SLEEPER ALERT: FRESNO STATE WR KEESEAN JOHNSON

BRAD KELLY NOVEMBER 1, 2018

While the information age has made it increasingly tougher to find “sleepers” in the NFL Draft, some players will always slip through the cracks. Currently, there is a senior wide receiver prospect that is flying under the radar, and I’m here to end that. His name is KeeSean Johnson.

No, not that Keyshawn Johnson. It’s K – E – E – S – E – A – N.

The Fresno State product has been eating this season, accumulating 54 receptions, 761 yards and 6 touchdowns through 8 games. Coming off the heels of a 1,000 yard season, it’s hard to figure out why Johnson isn’t getting more love.

Johnson hails from the same high school as former Fresno State Bulldog and current Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams. Despite redshirting as a freshman, Johnson has progressed into a draftable talent. At 6-foot-2 and 199 pounds, he has solid size for the next level.

What sticks out about Johnson’s film is that he catches everything. I mean, everything. His natural hands are a weapon at the catchpoint, as he beautifully tracks the ball and gets his mitts on the football. Johnson has even shown the ability to make one-handed receptions look elementary if a defensive back has one of his arms hooked.

While Johnson doesn’t have elite explosiveness or long speed, his athleticism is more than passable. Additionally, he has excellent body control that generally allows him to make plays at the catchpoint. He positions his body well and does a good job of shielding defensive backs away from the ball. Paired with his natural hands, Johnson is open even when he is covered.

Johnson is a smooth operator with flexibility as a route runner. He does an excellent job of bending and torquing his upper body to accelerate his breaks. The “something extra” in his routes is how he uses his hands to avoid contact from defensive backs, and he will separate at the top of the route with a little physicality when necessary. Johnson’s route running prowess and body control adds to his potential versatility in for an NFL offense.

The final and possibly most impressive portion of Johnson’s game is the motor and intensity he plays with. Relentless with the ball in his hands, Johnson’s balance and toughness makes him a nightmare for defensive backs to tackle. While not the most elusive or slippery runner, he will still pick up yards after the catch as he powers through tackles. Few wide receiver prospects consistently play with the level of fight Johnson has.

Johnson will likely be projected in the later portions of the NFL Draft, but don’t be surprised when I am higher on him than most. While he isn’t the alpha athlete at the position, Johnson can hurt defenses in a variety of different ways. NFL teams will likely value his potential as a possession receiver who constantly gets open, as well as appreciate the fire he plays with. Athletic testing could be a massive boost to Johnson’s draft stock, but the tape he has put together this season should undoubtedly be warranting more buzz.

https://thedraftnetwork.com/2018/11/01/sleeper-alert-fresno-state-wr-keesean-johnson/

 

To answer the question - Not:

Personal: Born in Mountain View, Calif. ... son of Monique Burns and Sean Johnson

Wow, thanks C Mart. This kid sounds good!

[sec101row23]

I’m starting to really like this WR class.  I saw some stuff on Iowa States Hakeem Butler, for a 6’6” kid he has some fluid athletic ability and runs angry.  Loving all these big targets that could be available to Maccagnan.  Most likely he waits till the 5th round and takes a 5’9” kid from a D2 school who gets cut in camp though.  

[sec101row23]

Watched some of N’keal Harry and Hakeem Butler yesterday.  Both had great days.  People are going to dismiss them a bit for their lack of speed and the usual “won’t be able to get separation in the NFL” tag may get thrown at them, but these guys can catch and they are hard to bring down.  Remember everyone having concerns about Mike Evans?  

[Jimmy 2 Times]

What do you guys think about Miles Boykin from Notre Dame?

He rarely creates separation, but goes up and gets everything.

Maybe pack another 20 lbs on him and call him a TE?

 

[Paradis]

15 minutes ago, Jimmy 2 Times said:

What do you guys think about Miles Boykin from Notre Dame?

He rarely creates separation, but goes up and gets everything.

Maybe pack another 20 lbs on him and call him a TE?

I've watched a lot of ND this year, largely for WR Claypool and RB D. Williams, but you're right, Boykin has made a ton of plays for the team. I see a lot Enunwa to his game, but he's more natural receiver than Q - has great hands. 

Gonna be hard to rank these guys. There's a lot of potential in this class - maybe not top heavy with all-stars, but it's deeeeeeep. 

[Jimmy 2 Times]

Boykin grabbed another td with the back shoulder catch.

I love this kid as a Funchess/type tweeter.

[sec101row23]

Liking this WR class more and more.   Would love to double dip and pick up two receivers in the first 3 rounds.  

[JustInFudge]

34 minutes ago, sec101row23 said:

Liking this WR class more and more.   Would love to double dip and pick up two receivers in the first 3 rounds.  

When is Higgins able to come out?  My gawd that dude just looks the part.   

[sec101row23]

40 minutes ago, JiF said:

When is Higgins able to come out?  My gawd that dude just looks the part.   

2020.  Other than maybe Hopkins, Tee is the best WR prospect to come out of Clemson.  Reminds me of A.J Green. 

[section314]

26 minutes ago, sec101row23 said:

2020.  Other than maybe Hopkins, Tee is the best WR prospect to come out of Clemson.  Reminds me of A.J Green. 

Better than Williams?

[sec101row23]

Just now, section314 said:

Better than Williams?

Yes.  

[section314]

1 minute ago, sec101row23 said:

Yes.  

I trust your judgement. Also, I watched a decent amount of the BC game. The guy on Clemson that I think is on another planet is #42, Wilkins. The way he plays reminds me of James Harrison in his Steeler heyday. Also, for a kind of middling program, although getting better lately, BC puts some good guys in the NFL.

[sec101row23]

Just now, section314 said:

I trust your judgement. Also, I watched a decent amount of the BC game. The guy on Clemson that I think is on another planet is #42, Wilkins. The way he plays reminds me of James Harrison in his Steeler heyday. Also, for a kind of middling program, although getting better lately, BC puts some good guys in the NFL.

BC is getting there, recruiting is getting much better.  

Wilkins is 315 pounds.   Crazy athletic for a guy that big.  He’s played ILB before and in the spring game Dabo let him play safety...Lol.  Funny watching a 315 pound guy in coverage.  

Higgins is better at the contested 50/50 balls than Williams was.  Plus he’s a little faster than Williams.