Texans NFL Draft Interest in Speedy TCU WR Quentin Johnston?
With the rare luxury of having two first round selections in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans have the chance to significantly upgrade at their most-pressing positions of need.
Houston is expected, by consensus, to be securing the services of a quarterback with the second overall pick.
However, obtaining a premier pass-catcher with pick No. 12 make a great deal of sense for a team in great need of help at the receiver position. Having sent veteran wideout Brandin Cooks north to the Dallas Cowboys in March, the Texans would love to pair their potential new passer with a top-flight wideout.
Accordingly, they should be taking a close look at TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
In a 2023 Draft class, which is being touted as top-heavy in first-round caliber talent, Johnston may be its most dynamic athlete. Listed at 6-3 and 212 pounds, the 21-year-old possesses not only the size, but also the speed to become a game changer at the pro-level. Johnston is fresh off his best season, in which he posted career highs with 60 catches for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns.
As a favorite target of Horned Frogs' quarterback Max Duggan, Johnston was the catalyst for a TCU offense which factored heavily in leading TCU to its first national championship appearance since their 2010 loss to Boise State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Prior to that, the program had failed to earn a major bowl berth since the 1959 Cotton Bowl.
At his best, Johnston is nearly impossible to contain when playing against zone defenses. Still, he has the ability to make an impact in man schemes, as well. While his height and strength are expected to give him a leg up on the competition in the red zone, his speed will also allow him the chance to make plays in the open field. During his Pro Day workout, he logged 40-yard times of 4.51 and 4.45 respectively.
Johnston is clearly on Houston's radar. He met with the Texans formally at the NFL Scouting Combine and general manager Nick Caserio also attended his Pro Day. Adding Johnston’s speed, athleticism and explosive style of play may be exactly what Houston needs to inject life into what was often a stagnant offense in 2022.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL.
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