Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Gambling on High-Ceiling Projects
By Reid Hanson
Round 4
Collin Johnson
WR/TE Texas
No, I’m not a UT fan trying to get my favorite college players on my favorite professional team. But I think Collin Johnson could be a player who could be a match-up nightmare if used correctly in the passing game.
First, it’s his size.
Johnson is 6-foot-6 221 lbs.
While he played exclusively WR for Texas, I want him to play more of a TE role in the pros. He’ll never be an inline Y, but he can certainly be a move TE who plays split out in the slot – a lot like Blake Jarwin. He’s skinny, but scouting reports say his frame will support 20lbs if he’s so inclined.
If stuck at just the X, he projects as nothing more than a possession receiver in the pros. But if a team can find a way to use him as a move TE, they could have themselves a nifty little (so to speak), weapon. Early on, he could still be a nice special teams piece on hands team, and a dominant goal line/ short yardage option split out wide.
Johnson isn’t a Day 1 starter but he’s not a massive project either. In 2018 Johnson had 68 receptions for 985 yards and 7 TDs. That production is nothing to scoff at. But in order to maximize his value he should be developed into a situational x receiver, situational big slot, and situational move TE, because his value is in his height and ability to play above the rim. And he needs a team that can get him in those match-ups.