Saints 2022 Year-In-Review: Juwan Johnson

A look back at one of the Saints' most pleasant surprises of 2022.

Author:
Bob Rose
Publish date:
Feb 22, 2023 8:31 AM EST

In this story:

The 2022-23 New Orleans Saints season was a disappointment on many levels. New Orleans finished with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. They had double-digit losses for the first time since the Hurricane Katrina tragedy of 2005 and just the second time in 23 years.

However, there were also some pleasant surprises that emerged from a frustrating campaign. Here's a look back at the year from one of those surprises.

Juwan Johnson, TE

Saints Year-In-Review

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Tight end was considered the weakest position on the New Orleans roster coming into 2022. Nineteen NFL tight ends had better individual production than the Saints trio of Adam Trautman, Juwan Johnson, and Nick Vannett combined in 2021. Unless you consider the position switch of Taysom Hill to tight end, in name only, than the team did nothing to upgrade the unit coming into 2022.

Johnson, coming into his third season, almost singlehandedly transformed the perception of this group. An undrafted signing by the Saints out of Oregon in 2020, Johnson appeared in seven games as a rookie wideout. He caught four passes for 39 yards and was an impressive blocker for the position.

Converted to tight end entering the 2021 training camp, Johnson went from a large wideout to an undersized tight end (6'4" and 231-Lbs) that had to learn a new position. He still appeared in 14 games, mostly in a specialized role, catching 13 balls for 159 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The 26-year-old Johnson had a breakout campaign in 2022. He started out the year as a complementary piece in what was expected to be a much-improved receiving corps. Still, he surpassed his receiving yards from 2021 by the sixth week and reception total by the seventh.

The Saints upgraded the wide receiver spot last offseason by drafting WR Chris Olave in the first round and signing five-time Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry. They were also getting All-Pro WR Michael Thomas back from season-ending surgery. Landry missed eight games, including five through October and November, and showed significant decline. Thomas was again lost for the year by Week 4.

Olave and undrafted rookie Rashid Shaheed made a formidable duo, especially over the last half of the year. However, the Saints got little contribution from veteran wideouts Marquez Callaway and Tre'Quan Smith. Johnson took advantage of the opportunity and became the passing game's most consistent threat outside of Olave.

Juwan Johnson finished the 2022 season with 42 receptions for 508 yards and a team-high 7 receiving touchdowns. He was second on the team in receiving yards and third in catches and targets. Only Kansas City's Travis Kelce and San Francisco's George Kittle had more touchdowns among NFL tight ends last season.

Johnson caught at least three passes in eight games last season, with a career-high five receptions in three different contests. His improvement as an in-line blocker also made him a viable threat in any offensive situation. Those improvements helped him surpass the limited Adam Trautman in offensive snaps.

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (83) against the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY

Johnson's athleticism gives him an advantage over most linebackers. His size presents a matchup problem against defensive backs when he lines up in the slot. He can run the full wideout route tree, including deep patterns, which open up options for the offense. Johnson also has excellent elusiveness and strength after the catch, allowing him to pick up extra yards after short catches.

A restricted free agent, don't be surprised if the Saints offer Johnson a high tender while they negotiate a long-term contract. Johnson was one of the offense's most consistent players on a unit that struggled in 2022. His numbers may not be spectacular, but remember that he's also still learning the position. Johnson presents matchup issues for a defense that could be one of the keys to the New Orleans offense in 2023.