2023 NFL Draft Player Profiles: East Carolina WR C.J. Johnson

From now until the 2023 NFL Draft takes place, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections and priority undrafted free agents Today, we’ll be profiling ECU WR C.J. Johnson.

#5 C.J. Johnson, WR, East Carolina (Sr.) — 6014, 224

Combine

Measurements

The Good

— Perfect body to use as a big slot, burly upper half and thick lower half to withstand hits over the middle
— Understands how to box out and create space at the catch point
— Is a load for defensive backs to bring down after the catch
— Sticky hands, only four drops in his final two seasons, per PFF
— Has good body control to go up and get passes at odd angles and tiptoe the sideline
— Understands where to sit down in the zones and when to run to green grass
— Points out blitzes and knows when he’s hot
— Plays with an alpha mentality, the ball is his when it’s in the air and he’ll let you know about it after
— Can use his strength to control and overpower DBs blocking in the run game

The Bad

— Overall play speed is concerning at the NFL level
— Rarely creates separation with his route running
— No burst off the line of scrimmage, looks like he’s jogging most routes
— Isn’t sudden in and out of breaks
— Can be late to get his head around after breaks with late hands and eyes preparation
— Blocking effort is inconsistent
— Needs to improve his conditioning, consistently was subbed out on longer drives
— Suspended indefinitely by ECU Head Coach in February 2022 for “not living up to the standards set for the program”
— Held out of field workout at NFL Combine due to an Achilles injury

Bio

— 175 catches, 2,849 receiving yards, 16.