In the 7th round of the 2019 NFL Draft the Vikings selected Colorado State WR Olabisi Johnson.

Player Bio

Olabisi Johnson, whose Nigerian first name means "to bring prosperity to your family," hopes to do just that by becoming a professional receiver. He has been overshadowed by talented Rams receivers in Michael Gallup and Preston Williams during his final three years at CSU, but his production has been noteworthy. He caught 41 passes for 595 yards (14.5 average) and two scores while returning 14 punts for 122 yards (8.7 average) in 12 games (seven starts) in 2017. Johnson started eight games across from Gallup in 2016, averaging a strong 21.9 yards per catch (613 yards) and scoring four times on 28 catches. The Lakewood, Colorado, native played in 13 games with one start as a true freshman in 2015 (2-15-7.5, one TD receiving). Johnson started 11 contests as a senior, catching 54 passes for 796 yards (14.7 average) and four touchdowns for the Rams.

Overview

Tough, consistent and dependable are terms scouts and coaches use in describing Johnson as a player. He is a very polished route runner, but his lack of top-end speed could limit his draft stock somewhat. His short-area footwork is solid, but he could really thrive as a big, zone-beater in space. Johnson's football character, intelligence and core special teams ability give him a chance to find work early and eventually become a dependable WR3.

Strengths

• Compact frame and low center of gravity
• High football IQ with ability to play every receiver position
• Well-versed in pro-style passing attack with expanded route tree
• Gets off the mark with consistent vertical push
• Smooth and quiet in his strides upfield
• Clever route-runner with ability to leverage defenders out of coverage position
• Drops weight quickly for tight breaks on option routes
• Instinctive in space against zone coverage
• Strong, natural hands and catches it away from his frame
• Good play strength to accept contact and secure contested catch
• Body control and balance are above-average
• Willing to get after his man as blocker
• Core special teamer with ability to compete at gunner and punt returner

Weaknesses

• Could be viewed as a tweener as slot or outside receiver
• Won't threaten defenses with pure, top-end speed
• Unable to dial up a second gear to chase down throws
• Lacks explosive burst to separate out of breaks
• Might find athletic press coverage a little too sticky
• Limitations finding vertical catch space could force him into confined work area
• Won't be much of a threat to create explosive yards after catch.

Sources Tell Us

"He's super smart and really, really dependable. He played with Michael Gallup, Preston Williams and Rashard Higgins over the last three years and his tape has always been solid during that time. I think he's a Day 3 player but coaches are going to love him." -- Scouting director for AFC team