Anthony

Johnson

Johnson (6’2/203) played two seasons for the Buffalo Bulls after transferring from JUCO, emerging as Tyree Jackson’s go-to threat with a career 133/2,367/25 (17.8 YPR) receiving line and earning first-team All-MAC in both years. Johnson’s stock took a hit in pre-draft workouts with below-par results in the forty (4.55), vertical (32 ½"), and three-cone drill (7.12). Experienced in both the downfield and slot games, Johnson is a better prospect than his measurables indicate with a chance to evolve into a high-end No. 3 or low-end No. 2 wideout if coached up properly. He has some deep sleeper appeal.

Johnson (6'2/203) isn’t a terrible athlete, but he didn’t help himself at his pro day. In addition to his below average forty, Johnson only managed a 32.5-inch vertical jump and a 7.12-second three-cone, but Johnson still should get looks because of his possession traits. At Buffalo last year, Johnson averaged 10.8 yards per target while scoring 11 touchdowns in 12 games, which likely makes him a Day 3 prospect.

Kearse went undrafted after a productive career with the Huskies, and that won’t happen to Johnson (6'2/211), who currently projects as a Day 2 selection. He’s gone on to have a solid -- if not spectacular -- career with the Seahawks and Jets, and they have a similar style and skill set. As Kelly summarizes: “With physicality and consistent route running, it’s easy to see a future for Johnson because of his possession traits.”

It occurred with just 1:16 left in the fourth quarter, and it appeared that Johnson injured his arm while slamming into the back wall behind the end zone. It was a disappointing end to the season for Johnson, who finished with five catches for 67 yards. He’s regarded as one of the top seniors at the position in this draft class, and we’ll see him again at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in January -- assuming Johnson is healthy enough to do so.

Johnson (6'2/210) was dominant in the first half of the game, but Bulls HC Lance Leipold told reporters after the game that the leg issue limited his action in the final 30 minutes of the game; a game that saw Buffalo blow a 29-10 lead in the third quarter. There’s no word yet if this will cause Johnson to miss the Dollar General Bowl against Troy on December 22, but it’s something we’ll certainly be monitoring.

We’re excited about this one. Johnson didn’t quite match his ridiculous production in 2017 during the 2018 campaign, but he still had some monster games, and the 6-foot-2, 210-pound wideout has looked good doing it. With his frame and ball skills, he has a chance to be one of the first senior wide receivers selected. A strong showing in Mobile will go along way towards solidifying that status.

A tremendous game for Johnson, although the majority of this damage was done in the first half. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound wideout showed his impressive ball skills on both scores -- with credit to Tyree Jackson for excellent throws -- and also was able to make defenders miss in the open field. Johnson had an inconsistent regular season, but the talent is obvious. He’ll have on more college game when the Bulls play in a Bowl this December.

The Bulls were rolling to absurd degree on the ground and did not need major contributions from their aerial attack -- Tyree Jackson attempted just 16 passes -- but Johnson managed to find the end zone regardless, hitting pay dirt from three yards out early on in the third quarter. On the whole this season, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound redshirt senior owns a 35-699-9 receiving line in eight games. Johnson and crew will close up shop on the regular season with games against Ohio and Bowling Green.

Johnson was back to his old tricks on Saturday, picking up two touchdowns on four catches in the 31-17 victory over the Rockets. The talented wideout has battled hamstring issues for the past month, but the 6-foot-2, 210-pound receiver has obvious talent. “Tools-wise, one of his best assets is his good functional playing strength,” wrote Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy. “He is strong running thru (sic) contact and he is hard for defensive backs to get on the ground without help.” Johnson is going to need to show he’s fully healthy, but his production is tough to ignore. He has a chance to be one of the highest drafted seniors at the position.

Johnson returned to the field last week but was limited against Akron. He appears to have kicked his hamstring issue. Hopefully we’ll see him more involved in what could be a high-scoring game against MAC rival Toledo.