Washington Football Team: Four Day 2 WR prospects to look for

No. 1 – South Dakota State WR Cade Johnson

The prospect that’s compared to Tyler Lockett, Cade Johnson had unreal production during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. That production culminated in a Senior Bowl performance that solidifies him as a prospect with potential Pro Bowl talent.

Cade Johnson out of South Dakota State was as productive as one could be throughout 2018 and 2019. Posting an average grade of 86.7 through those two seasons, Johnson’s grade is synonymous with how well he played. He totaled 139 catches for 2,544 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns through those two seasons.

In addition to his wicked production, Johnson dropped only three passes in 2019 with nine deep catches and 17 missed tackles forced. He was a problem for opposing defenses in the screen game, as he caught 28 screen passes for nearly 10 yards per touch, while also accounting for nine yards after the catch per reception.

The production from a slot wideout came with plenty of national praise, as he was selected to the AP All-American First Team in 2019, as well as the Walter Camp FCS All-America Team in 2019. He holds the Jackrabbits’ single season touchdown reception record, single season kickoff return yards record, and places in the top six in yards, touchdowns, and receptions in the school’s history.

Johnson’s insane production from the slot isn’t the only place where he saw success, as he was productive in his eight carries in 2019 and excellent throughout his career as a return man. He totaled nearly 1.500 kick return yards and two touchdowns from 2017 to 2019, while rushing for nearly 200 yards from 2018 to 19, boasting a 76-yard carry in 2019 as well.

Production, on top of savvy route running ability and next-level speed and agility, makes Johnson a surefire weapon at the next level. His usage for the Washington Football Team will come in a variety of ways, as he can be a guy you can motion in and out of the backfield, while also making his primary area for destruction coming from the slot.

Johnson can also be your starting kick returner, in addition to your starting slot receiver who can potentially motion out wide, as he graded at 67.3 against man coverage, according to PFF.

Cade Johnson is one of the best fits for this Washington Football Team offense, as he embodies everything that Ron and Scott have emphasized since day one. The Football Team demands speed, consistency, and versatility above all else.

With the Washington Football Team having four picks within the top 85, they can make noise with some serious weapons and upgrades at their skill positions. Any of these four would make a difference, but arguably none bigger than South Dakota State’s Cade Johnson.