The seventh-round speedster is electrifying training camp, flashing deep-play potential as he battles for a starting role in a revamped Tampa Bay offense missing Mike Evans.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' wide receiver room will look different this season without longtime WR1 Mike Evans, but the group is still poised for a big year.
Tez Johnson, a seventh round pick in last year's draft, has impressed thus far at training camp, with ESPN's NFL Nation tagging him as the Bucs' most surprising performer at OTAs.
"Maybe this won't shock a lot of people considering Johnson was pressed into action extensively last year in his rookie season and had five touchdowns, but in arguably the most competitive room on the team, Johnson stood out," ESPN's Jenna Laine wrote. "He had two touchdown catches from Jake Browning in their final practice and caught several others."
Johnson is in a battle for the third starting wide receiver spot, dueling it out with Jalen McMillan and rookie wideout Ted Hurst.
While McMillan will likely start the year in the WR3 role, Johnson has certainly played his way into serious contention, with his speed allowing him to play in multiple packages.
After just three targets and no receptions in the Bucs' first three games of the season, Johnson stepped into a larger role and made an instant impact.
Following his slow start, Johnson recorded five straight games with 40 or more receiving yards, adding four touchdowns during this span.
Against the New England Patriots, Johnson found the end zone twice, hauling in four catches for 42 yards.
Johnson's speed and deep-play ability can make him a key piece of Tampa's offensive personnel going forward, especially after the Evans' departure.
The former Oregon Duck is also a great locker room guy, as his former collegiate teammate Bucky Irving talked about on the "Up & Adams" podcast in May of last year.
"Tez used to always say when he would be watching my games or anything like that, he would say, 'Bro, I want to come down with you to Tampa. Then it happened, so I guess he got what he wanted."
Entering a pivotal contract season for quarterback Baker Mayfield, Johnson's big-play ability will be huge for making up for Evans' threat he posed down the field.
With offensive coordinator Zac Robinson calling the plays, expect Johnson to be featured as a swing pass/screen guy, as the former Falcons play caller loves to get speed in open space.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
