Theo Johnson is a quick learner and expected developer for the New York Giants.
The Penn State football tight end is considered perhaps the most athletic tight end in this 2024 NFL Draft, but he still needs tough love blocking and overall consistency to reach his high potential. He is a player who needs to develop his sexuality.
The Giants may need that development sooner rather than later.
They may have to replace veteran pass-catching tight end Darren Waller, who is considering retirement before next season. They have five other tight ends, but so far none can offer Johnson's overall blend of size, speed, big-play receiving, and nifty blocking potential.
Pro Football Focus gave Johnson a passer rating of 146.6, ranking him No. 1 among Big Ten tight ends after 2022.
Dane Brugler, an NFL analyst with The Athletic, calls him a rookie who deserves a serious investment, like the one New York State gave them with the No. 14 pick in the fourth round on Saturday.
“Overall, Johnson has had inconsistent records and performances in college, but he has good measurements and smooth athletic tools that allow him to continue to develop and become a better pro than a college player.” there is a possibility” Brugler said in his scouting report.
Bleacher Report's analysis reflects his vast talent potential, stating, “Johnson's size and positional flexibility alone make him an interesting prospect. He is a true in-line tight He has the size and strength of an end and the movement skills of a player who can be flexible in all directions.'' Formation. ”
His elite athleticism shone through at the NFL Combine, and Johnson was phenomenal in every aspect. He was second among tight ends in the 40-yard dash (4.57 seconds), broad jump (10-5) and vertical jump (39-5). He also had the fastest shuttle time (4.19) among tight ends.
Johnson is the fourth Penn State tight end drafted since 2018, all of whom were selected in the fourth round or higher. He follows in the footsteps of Mike Gesicki, Pat Freiermuth and Brenton Strange, who shared the position with him two years ago.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. To contact him, fbodan@ydr.com Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.
