Quentin Johnston NFL Draft Prospect Profile and Scouting Report
TCU Wide Receiver Scouting Report for the 2023 NFL Draft
By Jack Gerak
Name: Quentin Johnston
School: TCU
Year: Jr
Position: Wide Receiver
Measurables: 6’3”, 208 lbs.
Combine: Vertical- 40.5”, Broad- 11’2”, opted to run at pro day
Stats:
Courtesy of Sports-Reference.com
General Info:
“Promising young star” wide receiver Quentin Johnston played high school football for Temple in Texas, where he was a four-star recruit. Flipping his commitment from Texas to TCU following his senior season, he became the Frogs’ third highest-rated recruit in program history. In high school, Johnston discovered a passion for graphic design that persists today, and he occasionally creates his own graphics. The son of two military veterans, he is known as a respectful and coachable young man.
Johnston showed flashes of greatness in his first two seasons at TCU but struggled with injuries and inconsistencies, giving him a reputation as a player with high upside. Between his sophomore and junior seasons, he switched from a Y receiver to an X receiver. Confident he could change the narrative around his career, he said, “Upside doesn’t mean anything if you don’t do anything with it. I kind of take that personally. I’ve got to make that more clear. I don’t want people to say I’ve got good upside. I want people to say I’ve capitalized on everything I do.” Though he still battled injuries in his junior season, Johnston nearly doubled his receptions and yards from the previous year, solidifying himself as a first-round pick in this year’s NFL draft.
He was a key piece in TCU’s playoff upset victory against Michigan, securing 6 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown. Teams interested in Johnston will hope this NCAA playoff success translates to NFL playoff success.
Positional Skills:
Strengths
Johnston’s physical gifts are off the charts. TCU head coach Sonny Dykes said of the wide receiver, “I've been lucky. I've coached 30-plus receivers who have gone to the NFL and guys who have had Hall of Fame careers. Quentin probably has as much talent as any of those guys.”
While Quentin declined to run at the combine, his play speed is remarkable given his size. More than just a burner, his large catch radius and competitive toughness make him a quality “contested catch” receiver. These same skills make him a capable and willing run blocker. He is a high-IQ player whose mental processing ability allows him to consistently find the soft spot in the zone. His route-running ability has improved over his three year collegiate career.
Weaknesses
In the same breath that Dykes praised Johnston’s physical traits, he acknowledged that the wide receiver has much room to grow, saying, “The thing about Quentin is he's still pretty raw.” This is evident on the stat sheet as well considering his inconsistent production.
On film, Johnston fails to consistently beat press coverage. His routes lack deception, and he relies mainly on his physical gifts to separate. When faced with press coverage against a similarly gifted cornerback (Kelee Ringo) in the national championship, he was neutralized. This could be a problem in the NFL against superior athletes.
Drops are a concern for Johnston as well, especially in traffic; his drop rate in 2022 was 11.8%. Some may be concerned with his injury history, but he appears to be healthy heading into the draft.
Fit with the Packers:
Wide receiver is a position of need for the Packers this offseason regardless of the quarterback situation. Christian Watson had an impressive rookie season, but the rest of the returning wideouts have failed to prove themselves as a reliable complement. Romeo Doubs has shown promise, but I have not seen enough to trust him as a sufficient companion to Watson. The Packers would do well for themselves to find a true X receiver and allow Watson to thrive as a deep threat.
Green Bay’s front office values physical traits, specifically the RAS score, more than most teams. Their draft picks under Brian Gutekunst, particularly in the early rounds, have been mostly top-tier athletes. Investing in the athletic ability of Quentin Johnston could provide the Packers with a lethal duo. Many NFL teams (Cincinnati, Miami, Philadelphia) have seen their offenses explode after adding a second quality wideout. The Packers would be wise to follow this model.
Quentin Johnston is the favorite to be the first wide receiver selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. If he is available when the Packers select with the 15th overall pick, Packer Nation will be crossing their fingers for a playmaker, but the Packers have not drafted a wide receiver in the first round in over 20 years. Is 2023 the year they reverse the trend?
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Comments (43)
PackEyedOptimist
March 08, 2023 at 06:12 pm
Johnston remains the player whom I believe would have the greatest impact on the Packers. I’m not sure he’ll make it to 15, but if he did, I’d pick him. Defenses would really struggle vs. a Johnston-Watson-Jones offense.
stockholder
March 08, 2023 at 06:24 pm
I've seen him play.
He does drop balls.
Requires a lot of work.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 08, 2023 at 09:46 pm
What WR maybe outside of Jennings upon entering the league didn't struggle with dropped balls. With practice that can be resolved.
stockholder
March 08, 2023 at 10:54 pm
If they're on the team that long!
Racingdad
March 09, 2023 at 09:12 am
Stocky you mean for like 18 years ?
golfpacker1
March 08, 2023 at 07:01 pm
That is a constant comment on him. Drops. This too high of a pick to spend on a tight end or a wide receiver. If we play our cards right and trade back to get extra 2nds and 3rds we could get a WR after 1st round. Hyatt, Mims, Rice, Perry, Hutchinson, Palmer all available on day 2. I really like some guys we could get in rounds 3-4. Jonathon Mingo and Bryce Ford-Wheaton. Both over 6'2 and 220 lbs. Later Andrei Iosivas again 6'3 210 or really late sleeper Matt Landers-Arkansas has really impressive tape. 6'5 200lbs. We need saftey, tight end and edge the most. We need the packers to ask for available players from Jets to include in trade at these positions.
PackyCheese500
March 08, 2023 at 07:02 pm
Xavier Hutchinson, Jonathan Mingo, Trey Palmer, and BFW are all right up my alley! Cedric Tillman is another guy who I think would be an excellent fit in GB.
Hyatt and Mims are a little too light for GB, I think, and Rice is fine, although he doesn't break many tackles and isn't much of a deep threat.
We will see how high Darnell Washington's stock rises, although I think he is, regardless of draft position, someone GB should absolutely try to get. His blocking is on par with that of a prime Marcedes Lewis, and his receiving skills are severely underrated.
I would also consider trading back and selecting one of Michael Mayer or Dalton Kincaid. I have heard people criticize Mayer's long speed, but that's just not the type of TE he is. He is more of a Jason Witten-type player than a Travis Kelce or Evan Engram. His blocking is good too.
Kincaid, on the other hand, is as close to Kelce as I can find. He is an electric pass-catcher and gains yards after catch very well. His blocking needs work, but he has been improving in that field.
Another guy to look out for in the late 2nd round is TE Tucker Kraft of SD St. This guy reminds me a lot of George Kittle. He's a good run blocker, has great speed, and breaks a lot of tackles and gets a lot of yards after catch. He has good upside, too; I consider him the Christian Watson of this year's TE class.
One guy I think the Packers should stay away from is Oregon St's Luke Musgrave. I think his upside as a TE is limited by his inability to break tackles. He nearly always goes down at first contact. Then there's the injuries, too, which have limited him to playing in 18 games the past 3 seasons, including just 2 in 2022. There are too many red flags and not enough tape.
DoubleJ
March 09, 2023 at 08:49 am
"I have heard people criticize Mayer's long speed, but that's just not the type of TE he is. He is more of a Jason Witten-type player than a Travis Kelce or Evan Engram."
IMO Mayer is more of a slightly faster Richard Rodgers than a Jason Witten. For reference Witten ran a 4.65/40. Mayer ran the 3rd slowest 40 among TE's at the combine this year. Personally I would like the Packers to draft 3 TE's this year. Washington in R1 (perhaps a trade back from 15), LaPotra in R3, and then a R5 or R6 on Kuntz (developmental player with great physical traits). Go into a 3TE, 1WR, 1RB formation in the red zone with those 3 TEs and Watson on the field at once. You have 2 6'7 TEs, a 6'5 WR, and a 6'3 TE. Just throw the ball up high and teams would have problems stopping that.
PackyCheese500
March 09, 2023 at 04:17 pm
LaPorta is more like 6'0. Based on his blocking (or rather lack thereof), my guess is he's not GB's preferred target. SD St's Tucker Kraft is better
Racingdad
March 09, 2023 at 09:14 am
From the jets only young players still on rookie contracts no old vets with high cap
Packers2020
March 09, 2023 at 12:09 pm
This is a good point. Trading back makes sense to me since we need multiple positions. However, Gute has never done that. He always seems to trade up and reach for the draft prospects he likes.
We will see if he does it again this draft.
PackyCheese500
March 08, 2023 at 07:01 pm
Personally, I think the Texans will snag Johnston at #12 overall. However, even if Johnston was in our range, Jaxon Smith Njigba is the #1 receiver in the draft IMO. He also fills a position of need (the slot), as we already have two outside guys in Watson and Doubs.
JSN's skill set better contrasts with those of Watson and Doubs. His route-running is impeccable, and his hands are amazing.
I am not saying the Packers should go WR in round 1; I am just saying that in the event that they do, I would pick JSN over Johnston
PhantomII
March 08, 2023 at 09:30 pm
I would like either but JSN and a 1st RD TE would be a great start for Love with an immediate quality WR who exceeded the output of 2 Ohio 1st RD draftees in 2022....If we can get a #1 pick for AR that is. I'm ready for us to burn a 1 and 2 pick for 2024 to pick up what we need now...Maybe a second TE or Mean OT/ DL. Maybe Gute is so happy to get AR off his perch he does the unthinkable and does just that....GPG
BirdDogUni
March 08, 2023 at 11:04 pm
NFL.com has 8 WRs ranked ahead of JSN... SMH
https://www.nfl.com/combine/tracker/participants/wr/all-colleges/
PhantomII
March 09, 2023 at 08:48 pm
LOL, JSN outplayed the 2022 ROY as a sophomore. Print it out...only time will tell. I wanted Jefferson at #20 a few years ago...We got love. Jefferson is like top 3 all time as WR coming out the gate. I think any of them would be okay. This kid seems ready by route tree in the slot that's vacant.
greengold
March 08, 2023 at 07:13 pm
Jaxon Smith Njigba Is my jam, but Quentin Johnston is the other WR I’d drop everything to draft R1.
I really like both receivers that much.
stockholder
March 08, 2023 at 07:40 pm
Both your guys work. But the problem is Time.
The packers are high on Jalen Hyatt Wr.
Watch him against Alabama.
You know those safeties everyone wants.?
Watch him torch them!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 08, 2023 at 09:49 pm
Doesn't make contested catches. Isn't physical and only ran 4.41 at Combine. Hard pass unless maybe 3rd round in my book. Will struggle getting of line
stockholder
March 08, 2023 at 10:55 pm
And that will be 4.3 at his pro day.
jannesbjornson
March 09, 2023 at 06:24 am
Get better upfront. Edge and OT are the required one picks. Get the WR in rd two-three. See if Rodgers stays or goes? Next is TEs. See if LaFleur Understands the New Offenses? We know Gutedkunst is still drafting for Projects like its 1992. The right flank of the O Line has been offensive when under Duress.
jannesbjornson
March 09, 2023 at 07:23 am
PFN Trade down early and often.
#15 to Chargers for 21/54. #21/116 to Crows for #22/86
# 22 to Bills #27/91. Round Two is the Value Rd.
Bhak stays @ LT. FA RT added.
#27 Uzomah Edge
#45 Tillman WR
#54 Kraft TE
#78 S.Brown S
#86 Brents CB
#91 Benton 3 tech
#151 Eric Gray RB
#171 R.Wright CB
#225 Incoom Edge
#234 Rodriguez RB
#244 Ben Sims TE
#256 Nchami Edge
#259 Carvin OG
jannesbjornson
March 09, 2023 at 06:34 am
Speed WRs can be had in rds 4-6. Tre Tucker from the Bearcats. 4.3 guy, probably 4.4 with Pads. How many speed guys drafted last Spring with slight frames did anything to break the glass in the NFL? I've got the post-up, contested catch guy in Tillman. Hyatt a 4.4 guy, but a better receiver is Charlie Jones from Purdue and he goes 4.43. He opens up to the spot and gets the first downs, like Edelman. The Other TCU guy is the deep speed fetcher, Derius Davis. I want smarter players on this squad.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 09, 2023 at 03:56 pm
For sure!
Just not sure Hyatt would be what Packers need for reasons I mention. Not every receiver can be fast straight line guys trying to take the top off. You need receivers who can also make those contested catches in the middle of the field, and those back shoulder catches along the sidelines. Lazard has played this role but the Packers need a better Lazard. Someone big body guy like Johnston, or in round 2 in Tillman. Certainly, a good physical TE would help as well.
DoubleJ
March 09, 2023 at 08:54 am
Drafting a WR is R1 isn't worth while. Since 2010, there have been more Pro Bowl receivers drafted in R2 than R1. In fact there are almost as many WRs drafted in R3 that made the Pro Bowl as R1 (difference was like 1 or 2 players). Look at it like this. Did having Calvin Johnson on their team make the Lions a Super Bowl contender even with Stafford as the QB? Nope. WRs are turning into RBs from a draft value perspective. You can get a superior player later in the draft so using a R1 on one doesn't make sense.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 08, 2023 at 07:16 pm
My favorite player in the draft (outside of the top 3 defenders who will be long gone by #13, or #15. I believe Johnston would have the biggest impact for the Packers overall, as well as for the offense and Love. Dalton Kincaid is a very close #2. Quentin is big, very physical, plays with attitude and will win nearly every hight point contested catch. He is fast and is also a deep threat.
Here is hoping he is available when Packers draft (not likely) and that Gutey pulls the trigger. Quentin with Watson & Doubs, and an unknown TE would be formidable.
MooPack
March 08, 2023 at 07:23 pm
Quentin is a possibility for the Packers in the first, especially if the they pick up the Jets #13 first rounder. Things to ponder however: I actually think Watson was ahead of him in football knowledge and certain skills last year even with his play at NDSU. Watson's NFL father, I believe, prepared him well. Quentin is a bit slower than Watson, but not much. Watson's drop % was actually lower and I think his blocking was definitely ahead. Do they need another big WR? Maybe. So, do the Packers take another big bodied X type receiver that will probably need more time to adjust than Watson? I guess we'll see. He does seem a more smooth athlete in his routes and overall break tackles ability. I do like Quentin's attitude. A 1-2 punch of Watson/Johnston is very attractive.
A lot will depend on if the Packers get the Jets #13. If so, and in addition, I think more important needs must be addressed in the 1st round. Probably OT, if Bahk is gone as part of the ARod trade (it might happen). Very much Edge, but maybe trade down a bit with the Packers #15, if Myles Murphy and Tyree Wilson are gone. Maybe TE if they trade down a bit in the 1st or top second with the Packers #15. A really good TE might be as good or better than another big WR. Darnell Washington?
The other options are to go for an explosive, but smaller build guy like Jalin Hyatt, who could give a defense fits to cover. A more typical slot guy like Rahsee Rice in the 2nd, or a later big receiver like Jonathan Mingo. A Jets trade could open more possibilities for the Packers to grab a key playmaker on offense. Jets/Packers/Rodgers - Get er Done!
[Edit] Not sure yet on JSN. Gotta see his long speed. Is he more of a mainly slot like Rice or a true outside/ inside guy and better than Doubs.
PackyCheese500
March 08, 2023 at 07:33 pm
If the Jets give the Packers 13 and 15 (and Bakh follows ARod to NY), I would pick EDGE Lukas Van Ness of Iowa and OT Peter Skoronski of Northwestern. We have to build up the trenches.
I would be ecstatic, though, if we ended up with one of WR Jaxon Smith Njigba, TE Darnell Washington, TE Dalton Kincaid, or TE Michael Mayer coming out of round 1.
MooPack
March 08, 2023 at 08:04 pm
I know you like Van Ness. I think Foskey is going to be better. IMO, as an IA guy, I think Van Ness is going to need more time to get stronger and build more explosion to pick that high. More time than Gary. Either way, I think they could trade out of #15 and still get either.
Pete Ski is a guard. No. Take Broderick Jones, if there. A mauler attitude that wants to put people on there butts with way better length to hold off on the edge. Don't believe the SEC rubbish on all OL prospects that is being bandied about. Look at what he did. Ski is going to drop from what people are projecting, IMO.
Let's see what JSN has for top end speed first before taking him as BPA in the first. Darnell is probably end of 1st into top 2nd. I'd love to get him to replace Big Dog with better speed, and YAC, to stretch the defense. I think his blocking is really going to shock people. Mayer? No. I think he is overrated. Too slow to get enough separation in the NFL. He barely got it in college. No thanks. Kincaid? Again, no. Get a big WR if that is what you want.
PackyCheese500
March 08, 2023 at 08:51 pm
Jones may not make it to the Packers' selection with how his combine went. My guess is the Titans get him; he seems like Vrabel's kind of guy. Runyan and Nijman (assuming he's tendered) are free agents in 2024. Tackle or Guard, Skoronski would be a great addition because of his versatility. Jones would also be good, but IMO Skoronski is more what the Packers FO would like.
I also like Isaiah Foskey and Felix Anudike Uzomah, too. A trade down in the first or a trade up in the second could probably bag one of them. Heck, we could probably stay put in round 2 and end up with one. I just think Van Ness has the most upside; he already has the strength and the physical traits; look at any professional draft evaluator or draft site.
DoubleJ
March 09, 2023 at 09:56 am
Van Ness and Foskey are almost identical in their testing scores. Van Ness is slightly younger and I think the better agility testing will help with turning the corner. Overall they are both so close in everything that either one would be nice.
I wouldn't touch Broderick Jones. How many times do we see these SEC OTs come out as the next great thing because they are "so athletic" only to see them fail in the NFL. Overall SEC OL typically don't do well in the NFL. For every Elgton Jenkins there are 50 Greg Robinson's. If you want OL look at B1G, Big 12, and Pac-12. Those conferences push out top OL all the time.
I wouldn't touch a WR in R1 either. The value isn't there for what you get. Sure you could end up with a Calvin Johnson but if you wait until R2 you could get a Davante Adams instead. FYI since 2010 there have been more Pro Bowl WRs drafted in R2 than in R1. In fact there have only been like 2 more Pro Bowl WRs drafted in R1 than R3. Basically WR is becoming like RB where you can wait a round or two and still get top flight players on a pretty regular basis.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 08, 2023 at 10:04 pm
Moo,
JSN only has decent speed at 4.48. I still haven't made my mind up about him. He was injured in 2021, so didn't play. Yes, he had over 1,600 yards in 2021, but how much was it because defense focused on stopping Ohio's two #1 WRs in last years draft? Dont get me wrong...I'm sure he is a good player, but is he as good as everyone says when having played with those two 1st rounders in 2021. I just don't know, so I'd definitely would take Johnston who is bigger, stronger, and faster.
I see Quentin who is Lazard size and faster replace Lazard and be quite a bit of an upgrade on offense.
dobber
March 09, 2023 at 05:05 am
Remember Lazard is 6'5" 225.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 09, 2023 at 06:42 am
Quentin is over 6'4" and 215 lbs
Very similar and I'm guessing within a year or two Quentin weight might increase a little
splitpea1
March 08, 2023 at 08:19 pm
No need to get excited: There are four or five teams ahead of us that could really use WR help, and with Johnston likely to be the first off the board, it's just a fantasy that the Packers will be able to land him without trading up. Rice would be a more realistic alternative (if Gute insists on the Packers' preferred physical build) later on. We have more pressing needs in the first round, anyway.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 08, 2023 at 10:06 pm
I'd take Tillman over Rice for the bigger body with some speed. Tillman is going to be a fair amount better than Lazard. Essentially, a better Lazard replacement.
greengold
March 09, 2023 at 07:25 am
Good call. Reality kicks in. Johnston should be gone early.
The more I think about this, WR likely best served later. R2 is the spot to fish the WRs. Shocker, I know! Lol.
BAMABADGER
March 08, 2023 at 08:41 pm
He was nonexistent in the game against GA. Would rather see us take a DL, OT, even TE before drafting Q Johnson. The Big 12 competition is weak. Interesting... his junior season he had nearly double the catches & yards (60 for 1060 yds) compared to his sophomore season (33 for 634 yds). He played in 6 more games his junior season yet had 6 TD catches, the same number as he achieved the previous season 2021.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 08, 2023 at 10:11 pm
Georgia like Detroit did to Watson in the final game. Defense schemed to shut Watson down and take him out of the game. Just like Georgia did to Johnston. Why adding Johnston to pair up with Watson & hopefully a good TE prevents defenses from focusing on one. Reason a top WR is very important!
PackEyedOptimist
March 09, 2023 at 06:55 am
Exactly, Knocksnot. Teams had to scheme to stop Johnston, just like Watson. (That's why we both really want him!)
The "drops passes" thing is also ridiculous. Johnston has a long list of outrageous catches; he has great hands. Many of his drops were due to bad passes or Quintin trying to make something happen after the catch.
Those who label him as "only a deep threat" also clearly haven't watched him play. The reason I'm such a big fan is because he is tremendous after the catch. He has perfected that same reverse-spin that Sterling Sharpe used so often and effectively (almost 40 years ago!). He has ridiculous jitterbug moves for a guy of his size.
Unfortunately, I expect him to be gone before 15, and I don't expect to have a higher pick after any trade. (I still see a second this year and a first next year for Rodgers)
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 09, 2023 at 03:47 pm
PEO,
I read what all these mock draft people say about Johnstons hands. One person initially said it and now everyone else cuts & paste the same thing. It is a copy cat business. Posters here read what is said on these websites and all of a sudden they too are now spreading the same thing. Amazing!
Johnston is special & would change how defenses would try defending the Packers. I too am afraid he won't be there when the Packers draft.
Leatherhead
March 09, 2023 at 04:18 pm
I like Johnston. But....
First, there is the history. We don't draft skill position players in the first round very often. Sterling Sharpe, Bubba Franks, Javon Walker. That's an organizational decision made because of a core belief that they can find WRs on the 2nd Day of the draft that are really good, and they've been right.
Second, there's the Math. You know...64 plays, half of them to the RBs, 10 to Watson, etc. We're spending a very high pick on a guy that simply isn't going to get a lot of targets. Why wouldn't you spend that pick on a DB, or an OL,who's on the field for 100% of the snaps instead of a WR that'll might get 40 snaps or so?
Third, you could kill two birds with one stone here and get a TE who can get his man blocked and be a factor in the passing game.
IMO, the Packers should continue their history of not using that first round pick on offensive skill positions. Personally, I'd try to trade down and get 4 picks on Day Two.
For example, trading out of the first round with the Cardinals would give us their picks at #34, #66, #96. Added to our own that has us getting guys at #34, #45, #66, #78, #96. Five guys in the Top 100, four picks between 34 and 78.
People to consider on Day Two. Adebawore at OLB , Darnell Wright for RT, Cedric Tillman (WR) LaPorta/Kraft at TE
golfpacker1
March 09, 2023 at 02:12 pm
Johnston will be gone @ 15 and the smart move is to trade back as many times as possible and end up at bottom of 1st or early 2nd while adding extra 2nds and 3rds. Then we have the capitol to fill all of our needs. I don't know enough about JSN to grade him but he didn't get 1600 receiving yards just because of other receivers on the team. He is probably really good. Mingo and BFW are as big as Johnston, are faster, catch the ball as well and you don't have to spend a first or even high second for them. Hutchinson is really good. I am glad my Hawkeyes won't see him any more. As far as TE, Mayer was really a dud at the combine. For being number one he didn't look it. His production shouldn't be overlooked but I take Washington first, Kinkaid second, and Mayer third in that order. Kuntz also is going to be good. Later Josh Whle and sleeper look at Kemari Averett-Bethune Cookman via Louisville. He is good. Trade back, get more early picks, fill more needs with really good players.
PhantomII
March 09, 2023 at 09:12 pm
You want difference makers. Elite/ Weapons. Every draft I have followed they are mostly gone by pick 45 day 2. I'm all for 3-4 in that wheel house. AR was missing a #1 and #2 WR last season and TE did a little at toward the end. Jones is our only legit weapon and Watson is a big play guy. We need high end talent on offense at the front of the draft, if they are to do anything this year and the higher, the more likely it will come around faster.