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2020 NFL Draft profile: Texas Longhorns wide receiver Collin Johnson

Texas Longhorns wide receiver Collin Johnson is one of four UT players invited to the 2020 NFL Combine.

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Longhorns wide receiver Collin Johnson was one of four University of Texas players to be invited to the 2020 NFL Combine. 

In his senior season for the Longhorns, Johnson played in only seven games while nursing a hamstring injury for much of the year. When in the starting lineup, however, Johnson produced six or more catches in four of the six games he played in and hauled in 90-plus yards in three. Johnson was a Biletnikoff Award preseason watch list candidate in 2019 and caught 38 passes for 559 yards and three touchdowns. 

NFL analyst Lance Zierlein descibed Johnson as "productive outside receiver with great size and ball skills, but below-average speed." Zierlein suggested Johnson may benefit a team with an offense that allows him to work downfield, where size overrides quickness once the ball is in the air.

RELATED: Texas Longhorns honor senior class in final home game of 2019 season

STRENGTHS (According to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein)

  • Exceptional size and length
  • Father was a 10-year NFL veteran
  • Uses hands to dismiss press jabs
  • Understands route leverage and how to create it
  • Physical at the top of the route
  • Uses length to create late catch space
  • Flashes ability to make the circus catch
  • Makes high-point catches look easy
  • Desirable zone target with big frame and soft hands
  • Pluck-and-tuck hands extend and secure throws
  • Uses size for big initial punch as run blocker

WEAKNESSES (According to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein)

  • Leggy release can be mirrored and shadowed by press
  • Gawky short-area movements in underneath routes
  • Very little hip sink into breaks
  • Not elusive after the catch
  • Lacks separation burst and sees heavy dose of combat catches
  • Routes are too one-speed and lack a top gear
  • Gears down when turning to find deep ball
  • Needs to impose his size on opponents
  • Allows defenders to loiter in his catch space deep

NFL COMBINE PERFORMANCE

  • 40-yard dash: N/A
  • Bench press: 17 reps
  • Vertical jump: N/A
  • Broad jump: N/A
  • 3-cone drill: N/A
  • 20-yard shuttle drill: N/A

Measurables:

  • Height: 6 feet, 6 inches
  • Weight: 222 pounds
  • Arms: 31 3/4 inches
  • Hands: 9 inches

NFL DRAFT PROSPECT GRADE

Johnson's grade is listed as a 5.98. Here is how his grade lies in the scale:

Grade scale: 

  • 8.0 - The perfect prospect
  • 7.3-7.5 - Perennial All-Pro
  • 7.0-7.1 - Pro Bowl talent
  • 6.7-6.8 - Year 1 quality starter
  • 6.5 - Boom or bust prospect
  • 6.3-6.4 - Will be starter within first two seasons
  • 6.1-6.2 - Good backup who could become starter
  • 6.0 - Developmental traits-based prospect
  • 5.8-5.9 - Backup/special-teamer
  • 5.5-5.6 - Chance to make end of roster or practice squad
  • 5.4 - Priority free agent
  • 5.0-5.1 - Chance to be in an NFL training camp
  • No grade - Likely needs time in developmental league

Johnson's former quarterback, Texas senior Sam Ehlinger, showed support for the wideout Thursday on Twitter. 

"A lot more of this to come. Good luck at the #NFLCombine @Call_In_Johnson," Ehlinger said.

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