Bucs add Johnson to WR corps

The Bucs selected Minnesota WR Tyler Johnson in the 5th round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Johnson was a monster college producer. He easily led a bad Gophers passing offense in catches (35), yards (677) and TDs (7) as a sophomore in 2017. Then he busted out for a big 78-1,169-12 line the following year, ranking top 21 nationally in all 3 categories. Johnson set new career highs across the board in 2019 with 86 catches, 1,318 yards and 13 TDs. He accounted for 41% of Minnesota’s receptions, 40% of the receiving yards and 42% of the TDs. No WR garnered a higher receiving grade from Pro Football Focus in 2019. Johnson isn’t a high-end athlete but does enough to create separation on short and intermediate routes. He’s excellent in contested situations. And he has experience playing both outside and in the slot. Johnson should have a good shot to win the #3 WR job in Tampa Bay this season, with Scott Miller and Justin Watson as his competition. But even then, he’d struggle for targets behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Rob Gronkowski.

The Texans on Wednesday claimed WR Tyler Johnson, who failed to make Tampa Bay's regular-season roster. Whereas Johnson got nudged out by a loaded Buccaneers WR depth chart, he faces much more opportunity in Houston. Only WR Brandin Cooks exceeded 60 targets for last year's squad, and WR Nico Collins is the only other returnee who reached 40 looks. Second-round pick John Metchie is out following his leukemia diagnosis. So there's room for Johnson to climb as high as 3rd on the Houston WR depth chart. He'll likely need an injury to Cooks or Collins to have a real shot at fantasy relevance, though.

The Buccaneers are releasing WR Tyler Johnson, according to multiple reports. The 3rd-year wideout looks good enough to land on a roster somewhere but lost out to a loaded WR corps in Tampa. A release instead of a trade, though, could indicate limited interest around the league.

Bucs beat writer Joey Knight believes WR Tyler Johnson “faces fierce competition for a roster spot.” Johnson, 24 in August, posted just 36-360-0 last season. While the WR4 job is up for grabs, we’re not drafting any Tampa Bay WR not named Mike Evans, Chris Godwin or Russell Gage.