University of Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson is drawing attention as a potential fit for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite riding a nine-game winning streak, the Eagles are dealing with internal frustrations leading up to their Week 15 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Specifically, concerns are mounting over the passing game and its effect on star wide receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, whose contracts total $171 million.
Smith and Brown expressed their frustration after the team recorded only 108 passing yards in a narrow 22-16 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 14. Much of the issue stems from the Eagles’ lack of a reliable third wide receiver to ease the burden on their star duo.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holderhttps://bleacherreport.com/articles/10145871-nfl-team-needs-prioritizing-every-rosters-biggest-weaknesses-before-week-15 believes this gap likely won’t be addressed until the 2025 NFL Draft. He suggests Philadelphia target Oregon’s record-setting wide receiver Tez Johnson in the mid to later rounds.
“Philadelphia has been looking for a third receiver to play with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith for a few years now,” Holder wrote. “While Tez Johnson might get tabbed with the ‘slot-only’ label during the pre-draft process, he could be an intriguing mid-round option for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.”
Johnson: One of College Football’s Most Dynamic Receivers
Tez Johnson, the adopted brother of Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix, transferred to Oregon in 2023 after earning All-Sun Belt honors at Troy in 2021 and 2022.
In 2023, Johnson teamed up with Nix to deliver a stellar season, recording 86 receptions for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns over 14 games, helping the Ducks to a 12-2 record. In 2024, Johnson has already amassed 1,021 total yards and 11 touchdowns in 11 games, including 78 catches for 866 yards.
With the Ducks sitting undefeated at 13-0 and holding the top seed in the College Football Playoff, Johnson’s stock is soaring. His standout performance came in Oregon’s 45-37 win over No. 3 Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game on December 7. Johnson made 11 catches for 181 yards and a touchdown, becoming the first wide receiver to earn Big Ten Championship Game MVP honors.
Johnson draws comparisons to Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett, a third-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. While Lockett is slightly larger at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds compared to Johnson’s 165 pounds, their playing styles are strikingly similar. Both excel as precise route runners and special teams contributors.
Lockett, a three-time NFL All-Pro, has earned over $106 million in his career. His contracts include a 3-year, $30.75 million extension in 2018 and a 4-year, $69 million deal in 2021. Johnson could follow a similar trajectory as a versatile and productive mid-round draft pick.
Eagles’ Attempts to Address WR3 Have Fallen Short
The Eagles, currently 11-2, have struggled to solidify their WR3 spot. In August 2024, they acquired Jahan Dotson, a 2022 first-round pick, from the Washington Commanders. However, Dotson has been a major disappointment, managing just 12 receptions for 122 yards and no touchdowns in 13 games.
A mid-round selection like Tez Johnson in the 2025 draft could provide the Eagles with the missing piece they’ve been searching for to complement Smith and Brown.
