Another top Canadian prospect is off the board at the 2024 NFL Draft with the New York Giants taking tight end Theo Johnson in the fourth round.
Johnson had 34 catches for 341 yards and seven TDs last season, all career highs, to secure an honourable mention All-Big Ten selection. Johnson appeared in 45 games over four seasons — playing as a true freshman — at Penn State, registering 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Johnson is the second Canadian to be picked after offensive lineman Isaiah Adams was taken by the Arizona Cardinals in third round Friday.
“I don’t think it’s a great tight end draft (so) if you told me (Johnson) was the second tight end to go, I wouldn’t bat an eye,” NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah told the Canadian Press ahead of the draft. “He’s got a huge catch radius, he can really get down the seam, he’s understanding in terms of the physicality after the catch.
“He’s not the most defined, precise route runner (but) I think there’s some development to take place there.”
After participating in the Senior Bowl, Johnson performed very well at the NFL combine, posting a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical, 10 foot five inch broad jump — all second-best results — and short-shuttle time of 4.19 seconds that topped the position group.
– With files from the Canadian Press.
