Johnson joined Jauan Jennings and Devaughn Vele as the three wideouts recognized for excellence at the seventh-round level. Commenting on Johnson, PFF noted that at 165 pounds he is an ideal fit for the slot role. While his rookie year had its ups and downs, a four-game stretch from Weeks 5 through 10 showcased his potential: 247 receiving yards and four of his five career touchdowns during that span led some analysts to call him the biggest steal of the draft.
The recognition underscores a broader reality: there aren’t many seventh-round picks who become fixtures at wide receiver in the NFL. Johnson’s achievement is notable not only for his production but also for the value he provided relative to his draft slot.
Context around seventh-round receivers shows a mix of outcomes. Currently, only a handful of players drafted in the seventh round have posted more than 300 career receiving yards. Some have found productive roles in different positions or battled injuries that limited their impact. For example, Bo Melton has 309 career receiving yards but is transitioning to cornerback, illustrating the diversity of paths for players chosen so late. Noah Brown and David Moore have productive resumes, with career receiving yards well over 1,600 and 2,000 respectively, but recent seasons were hampered by injuries or limited opportunities, making it harder to compare across a single year.
From the long view, three seventh-round receivers often cited as the most productive are in consideration: one is clearly Johnson’s teammate in the conversation, Jauan Jennings, who has accumulated thousands of career receiving yards and produced meaningful numbers in recent seasons. Devaughn Vele has shown potential with several hundred yards to his name. Johnson’s rookie production—though modest in total—includes a usable blueprint for his role going forward, particularly in a system that can leverage his quickness and reliability in the slot.
Beyond the individual accolades for Johnson, Pro Football Focus released its All-Seventh Round Team, highlighting the top players across the offense and defense. On offense, the team includes a quarterback breakthrough story, a running back prospect, and a set of offensive linemen who provide a solid foundation. The lineup also features a tight end option highlighted by the scouting lens as a developing player, with the rest of the unit anchored by proven and developing players at various positions. The defensive side of the roster includes a mix of interior and edge players, linebackers, and a secondary featuring a mix of experience and youth.
In summary, Tez Johnson’s inclusion in PFF’s All-Seventh Round Team reinforces the ongoing assessment that seventh-round picks can deliver meaningful value and contributions in the NFL. Johnson’s early career trajectory suggests he can continue to grow into a more prominent role for the Buccaneers, particularly in schemes that exploit his quickness and versatility as a slot receiver. As he progresses into his second season, expectations are that he will build on his earlier momentum and contribute consistently to the team’s aerial attack.
