When we hear the term “X Receiver”, what comes to mind? Tall, fast, strong, and with big hands, usually complete that prototype. That is exactly what we see from TCU WR Quentin Johnston. Standing in at 6 ’4” 212lbs., Johnston has asserted himself as one of the nation’s top receiving weapons.
As a four-star recruit coming out of high school, Johnston was ranked as the third-best WR in the state of Texas. He was only one spot behind another standout prospect, Jaxson Smith-Njigba (WR – Ohio State). After originally committing to the University of Texas, Johnston decided to switch schools, joining in-conference rival TCU. In both his freshman and sophomore seasons, the big play wideout led the Horned Frogs in receiving yards, tallying 484 in 2020, and 612 in 2021.
On film, Quentin Johnston may have the best combination of size and speed in the 2023 NFL Draft class from the WR position. With a basketball and track and field background, Johnstons’ high-pointing ability is unmatched. He possesses 4.4 40-yard dash speed and a vertical jump of 48”. He has to work on his separation in some aspects, but the physical traits check every box.
The 2022 season for Quentin however, has not gone as planned through two games. As of the September 10 matchup against Tarleton State, Johnston has only been able to put up a stat line of five catches and 44 yards. Of course, those numbers are concerning from a draft capital standpoint. The combination of the TCU offense putting away teams early, and relying on other receivers while Johnston gets doubled, or has safety help, doesn’t bode well for his production. Through the Devy lens, this lack of production could have its advantages.
Throughout the past several drafts, we’ve seen first-round receivers become the new normal. I don’t see that changing this season. Most of us would project Johnston to have first-round draft capital regardless, but his lack of statistical production could result in him sliding down NFL team draft boards. That usually means that a contending team, or at least a competitive one, could have their eye on him with picks 16 through 32. Picture teams like the Ravens, Cowboys, 49ers, or Dolphins with a big outside WR in their arsenal.
A player being compared to a 21-year-old Mike Williams, in an offense in need of a true downfield threat, should have NFL front offices salivating over what Quentin Johnston could become. Keep an eye on him as he faces Oklahoma, Oklahoma St, and Texas in the coming weeks. We may get a bad taste in our mouths from former TCU WR flops, such as Josh Doctson and Jalen Reagor. However, neither of those players has the athletic profile that Johnston holds. Regardless of his junior season stat line, I’m buying in on what I see on the field. Quentin Johnston has “X” written all over him. Don’t overthink acquiring shares of him in the Devy formats, especially now, as his stock has taken a hit.
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