Power ranking the Arizona Cardinals wide receivers
By Avery Duncan
5. KeeSean Johnson (R)
College career stats: 51 games, 275 receptions, 3,468 yards, 24 touchdowns, 65.2% catch rate
Similar to a large portion of the Arizona Cardinals’ 2019 draft class, KeeSean Johnson has been labeled as a steal by many. The Cardinals got the services of Fresno State’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards in the sixth round, and they should be ecstatic about that.
Measuring in at 6-foot-1 and 201-pounds, Johnson is a well-built prospect. His combine results were average; results include 4.60 second 40-yard-dash, 30-inch vertical, 117-inch broad jump, 7.28-second three-cone drill. But, his game doesn’t rely on his athleticism.
Instead, Johnson is a well-rounded receiver. He runs a full route tree, but isn’t an overly nuanced player, instead, he’s a smooth athlete that takes technically refined breaks. His hands compliment his route running; the receiver is a natural pass-catcher that knows how to position his body to reel in the toughest of passes.
Though he’s not a freak athlete, Johnson is experienced, hard-nosed, and technically refined. He’s a high-floor, middle-ceiling, sure-handed receiver (74.2% catch rate in 2018, per Pro Football Focus) with the ability to play inside or out. He’s also a YAC threat, compiling 1,425 of those valuable yards in college, per PFF.
However, Johnson ultimately ranks at No. 5 because he’ll need to compensate for his lack of twitchy athleticism. But he should do just fine, considering his well-roundedness and consistent/storied past.