Charles

Johnson

Johnson missed the last two weeks with an ankle injury. He got another NFL shot after leading the AAF in receiving but was never a good bet to make the Eagles. This doesn’t look like a season ender, so it’s possible Johnson will be released with an injury settlement.

Johnson led the AAF in receiving when the league folded last week. Johnson flashed with the Vikings way back in 2014, but his career fizzled after that. Already 30 and joining a crowded receiver group, Johnson faces an uphill climb to a roster spot. The Eagles also added QB Luis Perez and WR Greg Ward from the defunct league.

Johnson was leading the league with 687 receiving yards when it folded this week. Big and fast, Johnson made waves by catching 31 passes for 475 yards and two scores with the Vikings way back in 2014, but his career fizzled after that. Even at 30, it would not be surprising if Johnson got another shot heading into the offseason program. Other notable names mentioned by Breer were QB Garrett Gilbert, RB Zac Stacy, WR Rashad Ross, WR Jalin Marshall, DE Damontre Moore, and OLB Jayrone Elliott.

Playing for Steve Spurrier’s Orlando Apollos, Johnson looked like the AAF’s version of Julio Jones in Sunday’s shootout win over San Antonio. He parlayed ten targets into seven catches for 192 yards and a touchdown and is averaging nearly 23 yards per reception two games in. A onetime middle-round pick in season-long leagues, Johnson is stating his case make an NFL return. Johnson also shined in preseason games with Teddy Bridgewater and Jets last August.

Johnson faces a huge jump in competition going from Grand Valley State to the NFC North, but he’s a highly intriguing Dynasty prospect at 6-foot-2, 215 with a 4.38 forty time and 39.5-inch vertical. The Packers’ three-receiver set of Randall Cobb, James Jones, and Jordy Nelson is locked in, but none of them is signed long term and Johnson is way more gifted than Jarrett Boykin.

Johnson (6-foot-2, 215) bounced around three colleges due primarily to off-field issues before spending his final two years at Grand Valley State. Between his junior and senior seasons, Johnson rolled up 128 catches for 2,229 yards (17.4 YPR) and 31 touchdowns. Johnson also shredded his Pro Day with a 4.38 forty, 39.5-inch vertical, and 11-foot-1 broad jump -- Julio Jones measurables. Johnson will join the competition at receiver behind Jordy Nelson, James Jones, and Randall Cobb.

Johnson suffered a sprained MCL on June 27 and missed roughly four weeks before returning to practice Wednesday. He’s been bypassed on the depth chart by undrafted rookies Tyrone Walker and Myles White. Johnson is a strong practice squad candidate, but his height-weight-speed blend may intrigue a receiver-needy team if the Packers try to pass him through waivers.

Johnson has Juliosh measurables, but was hurt for most of camp and struggled in the rare instances he practiced. Perhaps the Packers will try to re-sign him to the practice squad. Johnson seems likely to clear waivers.

Johnson is a height-weight-speed freak, but he suffered a sprained MCL in June and took too long to recover. He’ll get the call if any of the Packers’ receivers go down. Johnson is a guy to monitor in Dynasty leagues.

As the St. Paul Pioneer Press notes, Johnson has been running ahead of Treadwell “throughout camp.” Some reports have indicated Treadwell is struggling, while Z receiver Stefon Diggs has shined. Despite his first-round resume, we’re not yet ready to assume Treadwell will be a surefire Week 1 starter.