Tez Johnson Projected as Late-Round NFL Pick Despite Light Frame

Muhammad Adiyatama Wijaya

21 Okt 2025

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When Tez Johnson, wide receiver of the University of Oregon walked off the stage at the 2025 NFL Combine, the buzz was immediate: a 5‑foot‑10, 154‑pound play‑maker with a chip on his shoulder, yet an obvious durability question mark.

Early Life and High‑School Heroics

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Johnson grew up in Pinson and starred at Pinson Valley High School. As a senior he hauled in 62 receptions for 1,140 yards and 12 touchdowns, steering his team to the Alabama 6A semifinals after a junior‑year state‑title run. Recruit‑ranking sites barely noticed him – 247Sports listed him #1,467 nationally, while Rivals left him unranked.

What set him apart wasn’t sheer size; it was a relentless work ethic and a knack for finding seams in tight coverage. Those traits caught the eye of a family that would later become his own – the Nix household.

College Journey: Troy to Oregon

Johnson’s first stop was Troy University. Freshman year he logged 18 catches; by 2021 he was a starter, notching 66 receptions for 712 yards. The following season he elevated his yards‑per‑catch to 15.6, pulling in 55 passes for 856 yards.

In 2023 he transferred to Oregon to reunite with former teammate Bo Nix, now a first‑round pick for the Denver Broncos. "Adopted younger brother" became the phrase they used at press conferences – a bond forged in the locker room and solidified off it.

At Oregon, Johnson exploded: 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023, followed by 82 catches for 898 yards and another 10 scores in 2024. Scouts noted his "wiggle" and shoulder‑drop ability, hallmarks of a slot specialist who can make defenders miss in traffic.

Scouting Report: Strengths, Weaknesses, and the Weight Question

On paper, his metrics are impressive: a 4.51‑second 40‑yard dash, 29 3⁄8‑inch arm length, and 9‑inch hands. Yet the Combine revealed a stubborn reality – at 154 pounds he is one of the lightest athletes ever to attend. Lennox Tate of NFLDraftBuzz.com warned, "His extremely light frame raises durability concerns; maintaining playing weight through an NFL season will be an uphill battle."

Conversely, analysts like Mel Kiper (ESPN) see a "day‑one special teams value" in his punt‑return skill set, and FantasyPros praised his ability to track the ball over his shoulder. The consensus is clear: Johnson thrives in the slot, where his quickness and spatial awareness shine, but he may struggle against physical cornerbacks who like to press at the line.

Draft Outlook: Where He Might Land

Projections vary, but the trend is consistent – late‑round selection. PFSN’s Ben Rolfe pegged him 78th overall, a pick the Arizona Cardinals could realistically make. Meanwhile, Bucs Nation reported that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ultimately chose him 235th overall in the seventh round.

If you zoom out, his draw lies in the upside he offers on special teams and as a slot receiver. Teams with a need for a "shifty" pass‑catcher – like the Los Angeles Chargers or the Denver Broncos (who already have a family tie) – could see him as a low‑risk, high‑reward gamble.

Potential Role in the NFL

Potential Role in the NFL

Should he land in Arizona, expect him to compete for the slot spot currently held by veteran receivers, while also handling punt‑return duties. In Tampa Bay’s case, the Buccaneers could stash him on the practice squad initially, giving him time to add muscle before a rotation role emerges.

Ultimately, his success hinges on two factors: adding a few pounds without sacrificing speed, and mastering the play‑book’s nuances. If he can stay healthy, his quickness could make him a nightmare for zone defenses that rely on athletic linebackers to fill gaps.

What the Future Holds

The 2025 NFL Draft is set for late April, with the first round kicking off on April 25. Johnson’s name will likely surface in the later rounds, and any team that drafts him will need to invest in a tailored strength‑and‑conditioning program. His story – a small‑town kid adopted into a quarterback’s family, thriving against the odds – resonates with fans who love an underdog narrative.

In the months ahead, keep an eye on his offseason workouts. Gains of even 5‑10 pounds could shift the perception from "lightweight gamble" to "high‑upside asset." And if he sticks the landing, the slot receiver market could see a subtle shift toward valuing quickness over bulk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What teams have shown the most interest in Tez Johnson?

Reports from Sports Illustrated indicate the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Arizona Cardinals have been the loudest voices. The Chargers value his slot speed, the Broncos see a familial connection, and the Cardinals view him as a potential depth piece for both offense and special teams.

How does Johnson’s size impact his draft stock?

At 154 pounds, he is one of the lightest combines in recent memory. Scouts worry about his durability and ability to withstand the rigors of a 16‑game schedule. That concern pushes him into the fourth‑through‑seventh round range despite his production.

What are Johnson’s biggest strengths on the field?

His quickness in short areas, ability to track balls over his shoulder, and knack for creating yards after catch in the slot. Analysts also praise his punt‑return instincts, which could give a team immediate special‑teams value.

Can Johnson add enough weight to compete at the NFL level?

Strength coaches believe a disciplined offseason program could see him add 5‑10 pounds without sacrificing speed. Success in the weight room will likely determine whether he becomes a regular‑season contributor or a practice‑squad depth option.

What does his relationship with Bo Nix mean for his NFL career?

Being "adopted" by Nix’s family forged a mentorship that helped Johnson transition to Oregon and polish his game. If the Broncos draft him, that bond could ease his integration into the pro environment, offering a familiar voice in a new locker room.