Saints Draft Prospect: Dynamic Penn State Tight End Projects As A Middle-Round Selection

New Orleans Saints tight ends haven't consistently been a big part of the team's offense since Jimmy Graham was traded after the 2014 season. This is expected to change under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. However, that then raises the question whether the Saints have enough talent at the position for Kubiak to utilize.

Converted wideout Juwan Johnson bounced back from a slow start in 2023 to catch 37 passes for 368 yards and four scores. Johnson, who also had 42 receptions for 508 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns in 2022, is a good receiver but most effective when lined up outside the offensive line. Foster Moreau is more of a traditional in-line tight end, but doesn't offer a huge receiving threat. Taysom Hill is an extremely valuable weapon, but a tight end in name only.

Some mock drafts have the Saints selecting Georgia TE Brock Bowers with their 14th pick in the first round. However, there's a good chance Bowers is off the board by then and this team does have more pressing needs. Even outside of Bowers, there are several other talented tight ends that will start coming off the board between late in Day 2 and early on Day 3. Here's a closer look at one of those talents.

Theo Johnson, TE (Penn State), 6'6" 259-Lbs.

Penn State typically has an anemic passing attack against big-time opponents, and Theo Johnson was usually underutilized by coaches.

Nonetheless, he still flashed intriguing potential when he did get the chance to shine and caught 73 passes for 882 yards and 12 scores over his final three years. His best statistical season was 2023, with 34 receptions and 341 yards with a team-high seven scores.

Johnson flashed impressive athletic ability at the NFL Scouting Combine. His 40 time (4.57 seconds), 10-yard split (1.55), 20-yard shuttle (4.19), vertical leap (39.5"), and broad jump (10'5") all ranked among the best of all tight ends.

There may be no tight end with a more imposing combination of size and athletic ability than Johnson in this year's draft. More than just a good-looking athlete, he's flashed all the skills of a potential top-tier player for the position.

Johnson has reliable hands and maintains excellent focus in traffic. He'll battle for contested throws in every situation and has the frame to effectively box out coverage. His tremendous wingspan and outstanding leaping ability gives his quarterback a huge catch radius.

Johnson explodes into his routes like a big wideout and pulls away from coverage with a long stride. He's also shown the receiving awareness necessary to be able to rapidly expand his route tree.

After the catch, he has the speed to break big gains and the strength to power through arm tackles for extra yardage. He also has upside as a blocker not just because of his frame, but also by setting a good natural base and showing sound technique.

Never asked to run much of a route tree in a limited Nittany Lions offense, Johnson must show that he can quickly grasp an NFL system. He'll also need to sharpen his route breaks for more consistent separation.

With Penn State often operating out of a spread, Johnson will have to respond to good coaching to develop as an in-line blocker and route runner. Despite his frame, he has surprisingly overpowered at the point of attack by physical defenses.

The Shanahan (Mike and Kyle) and Kubiak (Gary and Klint) systems have a long track record of successful tight ends spanning from Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe in the mid-1990s to George Kittle last season. Juwan Johnson could have a big year in this system, but it shouldn't be a surprise if the Saints add another athletic two-way threat in the draft.

Theo Johnson has the raw ability and upside of a second-round choice. However, he'll probably slip a little due to lack of production and usage in a limited offense. Johnson offers immediate value as a matchup receiver with the upside to develop into a legitimate weapon in any situation.