2023 BCS WR Scouting Report
Player: Quentin Johnston
School: TCU
Year: Junior
Games Watched: Baylor 2021, Kansas State 2022×2, Michigan 2022
Route Running: Not asked to run an extensive route tree. Runs some slants and drag routes across the middle. Runs a post and a 9 route when asked to go vertical. Will run a dig or comeback route when attacking the intermediate level of the field. Shows active hands at the break. Has a jab step at the release that can create early separation. Further development with hip sink will add another dimension to his route running.
Blocking: Has the size and strength to be an effective blocker. Not tasked with many blocking duties in games observed.
Contested Catch Ability: Makes good use of his 6’3 height. Shows the ability to box out defenders and high point the football. He times his jumps fairly well and can play through contact. Looks to have strong jumping ability. Has the size and strength to be able to withstand contact through the catch.
Separation: Gets good separation on his comeback routes and in-breakers by selling vertical off the LOS. A natural separator with his straight line speed. Uses foot fire and jab steps at the top of the route stem to separate. Holds his line and maintains separation on in breakers.
Ball Skills: Has instances of double catching, and body catches but usually doesn’t let many balls get into his body. Is able to track deep balls and adjust to the trajectory of the pass. In contested catch situations he shows the ability to high point the ball and box out defenders.
Beating Press: When facing man coverage he uses a speed release or stutter-step to get off the line. is not pressed a ton at the LOS due to his ability to win over top. Would do well to further his release package with more hand usage and footwork.
YAC Ability: Can power through some tackles with his size. Uses his speed to just run away from defenders when he gets in open space. Has a spin/pivot move to get free after the catch and gain extra yards. Can be a real screen/jet sweep manufactured touch threat.
Ball Tracking: Locates the ball well. Has good timing on his jumps to catch the ball at its highest point. Can adjust his route downfield to match the trajectory of the pass.
Long Speed: His 20 ypc average in 2021 speaks to an ability to get downfield. Shows good speed and acceleration on film. Long strider, will catch defenders off guard with how much ground he is able to cover when eating up cushions. Has the necessary speed to be a legit downfield threat at the next level.
Versatility: Runs routes out of bunch sets and stacked formations. Has the ability to line up and win on the outside with his speed. Shows upside as a moveable piece and jet sweep/end around option.
Route Running (15) – 13
Beating Press (10) – 7
Blocking (5) – 4
YAC Ability (10) – 8
Contested Catch Ability (10) – 8
Ball Tracking (10) – 8
Separation (10) – 8
Long Speed (10) – 8
Ball Skills (10) – 7
Versatility (10) – 8
Grade: 79/100- Day 1
Summary: Quentin Johnston is a long-limbed receiver with real downfield ability. He shows the necessary upside as a route runner. His length and tracking ability make him a safe target downfield for his QB. Johnston’s high level athletic skill profile will translate immediately with shot plays and manufactured touches. Johnston should be used early on as a moveable piece lining up in the slot as well as outside in order to utilize his athletic mismatch ability.
Report Author: EJ Holt
Twitter: @EJHolt_NFLDraft
