Tyler Johnson may be a former fifth-round draft pick without much production in a year and half but he is only 23 and brimming with potential. Johnson has been buried on one of the top wide receiver depth charts in the league since his 2020 rookie season. With that said, the former Minnesota standout has flashed in the limited opportunities he has seen.
The Tampa Bay WR is currently garnering attention in season-long and DFS formats as Antonio Brown is nursing an ankle injury. But what do we do with Johnson in dynasty fantasy football leagues?
Collegiate Cannonball
Coming into the league, Johnson had a strong following among draft and fantasy Twitter circles based on his college production. In four years at Minnesota, Johnson caught 213 passes for over 3,300 yards. Johnson broke out in his sophomore year at age 19 (89th percentile) but really dominated during his junior and senior seasons. Johnson commanded a 34.5% college target share (97th percentile) while posting a 57.2% college dominator rating (98th percentile). He was an absolute force at Minnesota.
On the downside, Johnson’s workout metrics are below sub-par. Speed is not a strength of Johnson’s as he posted a 4.70 40-time (8th percentile) and 85.6-speed score (24th percentile).
* Metrics provided by PlayerProfiler.com
Shipwrecked?
As mentioned above, Johnson found himself in one of the least favorable landing spots for a promising young wide receiver. Elite studs like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, and even Rob Gronkowski are ahead of Johnson in the target pecking order. But when Tampa’s star pass-catchers have suffered injury, Johnson has filled in admirably. This season, Johnson has seen at least 47% of snaps in 4 games. In those games, he has averaged:
- 24 routes
- 4.25 targets
- 3.25 recs
- 46.5 receiving yds
This is modest production but also a good thing for those who are Tyler Johnson truthers. He has demonstrated efficiency and a decent PPR flow while staying low-key in an prime offense. Heading into Tampa Bay’s Week 9 bye, Johnson had his best game of the season Sunday against the Saints. He played 39 offensive snaps and was targeted six times by Tom Brady. He caught five of those passes for a season-high 65 yards. Speed may not be his strength, but Johnson was carving up the New Orleans defense with his crisp route running and elite technique.
With Brown, Gronkowski, and Scottie Miller returning soon, it will be interesting to watch Johnson’s usage for the rest of the season. But we may not see Brown return for some time. My teammate and The Undroppables injury specialist, Jose, is not bullish on AB returning soon so we may have a couple more games to chart Johnson’s production and progress.
Saw video of AB rehabbing over bye week. Gait is still altered out of walking boot likely due to pain, and he has some residual swelling.
AB likely misses another week or 2 prior to returning to the field. Surprised the Buc did not place him on IR initially. @TheUndroppables— Jose (@ff_injury) November 9, 2021
Hidden Treasure
Godwin and AB are free agents after this season so there’s a chance that one of them is gone. Godwin could be franchise tagged for a second time but at some time the Bucs need to decide on what to do with their star WR before things get ugly. Chances of Godwin and Brown returning would increase if the Buccaneers are successful in their title defense but don’t expect anyone to give the champs a hometown discount, even if Tom Brady comes calling.
There are several variables in play with the Bucs and Johnson’s situation looking ahead so swapping proven players for Johnson can be difficult. If you’re not contending, try to send players like Cole Beasley, Jarvis Landry, Marvin Jones, Emmanuel Sanders, Devante Parker, Mecole Hardman for him. For contenders who want to add young upside, try to offer a 3rd round pick (maybe e add a 4th if you need). However, the trade window to acquire Tyler Johnson is likely closed for the time being as those who have him rostered (should) have diamond hands. Hopefully, you were following and already made some moves.
Traded for Tyler Johnson last night in two dynasty fantasy football leagues.
🔄 2022 3rd
🔄 Amari Rodgers
He’s been tucked away behind elite WRs since his 2020 rookie year but has flashed when given snaps.
With the Bucs on bye and AB returning in W10, there’s still time.
— ᴄʜᴀʟᴋ (@101chalk) November 7, 2021
