Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Tez Johnson: 5 Things To Know About Electric Receiver

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted former Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson with the No. 235 overall selection of the 2025 NFL Draft. He waited until Day 3 of the draft, but Johnson has found a home in Tampa Bay and will be reunited with former Oregon teammate in running back Bucky Irving.

Johnson is the 10th Duck drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, breaking the program record of eight total Oregon players selected in a single draft (8, 2024.) Johnson's 4-year contract is worth $4,323,708 with $123,940 signing bonus, per OverTheCap.

The 5-foot-9,154-pound electric Johnson was Oregon's leading receiver for the past two seasons and holds the program record for most receptions in a single season (86).

Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon wideout Tez Johnson (WO24) speaks during a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images | Stephanie Amador Blondet-Imagn Images

Johnson silenced critics who are concerned about his small size at Senior Day by consistently dominating defensive backs and displaying elite route running ability. Then his draft stock took a polarizing turn at the NFL Combine, Johnson weighed in as the lightest prospect and ran a 4.51-second 40, finishing 29th among receivers who competed.

"That's my time, I'm going to own up to it," Johnson said after Oregon Ducks Pro Day. "You can watch my tape and see no one can catch me. The 40 don't define you as a football player. It just shows that you can run a fast time."

Johnson has the respect opponents around the country, as Penn State Nittany Lions safety Jaylen Reed said that the Johnson was the most difficult receiver he had to guard throughout the season.

Below are five things to know about Johnson, including team fit, NFL comparisons, his relationship with Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, stats/accolades and notable quotes.

TEAM FIT

Johnson is an excellent fit for Tampa Bay, catching passes from quarterback Baker Mayfield. Johnson excels at creating after the catch. In 2024, he gained 604 yards after the catch, which ranked third most among qualifying receivers. His burst and shiftiness is exemplified by his impressive 6.65-second 3-cone drill at the combine.

Ahead of the draft, Johnson said the team that drafts him is "getting the best slot receiver in the NFL."

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Tez Johnson (15) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

NFL COMPARISONS

NFL analysts have compared Johnson to Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell, who will be entering his third NFL season in 2025 and is listed at 5-10, 165 pounds. One of the most exciting rookies in 2023, Dell finished with 47 catches for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games.

Johnson said he models his game after Dell, Cooper Kupp, Tyler Lockett and Ladd McConkey.

STATS/ACCOLADES

Johnson's best game of the 2024 college football season came in Oregon's win over Penn State to claim the Big Ten Championship. Johnson caught 11 passes for a career-high 181 yards and a touchdown en route to being named the game's MVP in the 45-37 win.

Johnson finished the 2024 season with 898 receiving yards, 83 receptions and 10 touchdowns. Despite missing nearly three full games due to injury, Johnson has was three receptions shy of breaking the Oregon single-season receptions record of 86... Which Johnson set in 2023.

After transferring from Troy, Johnson's 2023 season was a break out season catching passes from adopted brother Bo Nix. Johnson made histore by breaking the Oregon single-season record for receptions with 86 while racking up 1,182 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson celebrates with Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden as Holden runs for a touchdown as the Oregon Ducks host the Boise State Broncos Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. | Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK

As a senior in 2024, Johnson added to his resume with the following accolades:

All-Big Ten Second Team (Coaches & Media)

Big Ten Championship Game Most Valuable Player

Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week (Week 2)

Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week (Week 5)

Oregon Ducks receiver Tez Johnson Not Surprised Ohio State is Haunted by Loss | bri amaranthus

FAN FAVORITE

Johnson is an Oregon fan favorite, as he continually showed why he is a positive locker room presence and leader.

After the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Ducks in the Rose Bowl, Johnson gave away some of his gear to fans who made the trip to Pasadena, as seen in the video below.

Oregon Ducks receiver Tez Johnson giving a lot of love to the fans after losing to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. #goducks #GoBucks https://t.co/Vj8KEmHaxK pic.twitter.com/3p1t3dyiAa
— Bri Amaranthus (@BriAmaranthus) January 2, 2025

In another classy move, Johnson also waited for Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard to be finished with his ESPN interview after the game, so that he could congratulate him on the win.

Tez Johnson waited for Will Howard to be done with his interview so he could congratulate him on the win 👏 pic.twitter.com/wvbPZcYv2D
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 2, 2025

QUOTABLE

Leading up to the draft, Johnson had been strongly linked to the Denver Broncos, largely due to relationship with Broncos quarterback Bo Nix. Johnson was adopted by former Oregon quarterback Nix's family when he was 15 years old. Reuniting in Denver coach Sean Payton’s fast-paced offense an intriguing possibility.

“It would be great. I told Bo if Sean Payton drafts me, we’re making a movie. We’re definitely gonna make a movie. Me and you the starring characters. We definitely gonna make a movie. And just being under Sean Payton is gonna be great,” Johnson told Amaranthus before the 2024 season.