2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: 2024 Exclusive Sneak Peek: Johnny Wilson, WR Florida State
Welcome to the Exclusive Sneak Peek: Johnny Wilson, a 6’7″ wide receiver from Florida State University. Wilson attended Calabasas High School and grew up in Los Angeles, California. He received 35 scholarship offers from universities after 247 Sports ranked him as the 5th best wideout recruit in the country.
A 4-star recruit, Wilson ultimately chose Arizona State after initially committing to Oregon. The Sun Devils used him sparingly over two seasons, so Wilson transferred to Florida State in 2022. As a Seminole, he posted solid numbers, making the Second- and Third-Team All-ACC in back-to-back seasons.
Although his numbers aren’t exceptional, Wilson’s stature has generated buzz and interest among NFL teams. He’ll have to grow into his frame a little, but Wilson could either remain a wide receiver or be molded into a tight end at the next level.
Measurables
NCAA Statistics
| Receiving | Rushing | Scrimmage | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Att | Yds | Avg | TD | Plays | Yds | Avg | TD |
| 2020 | Arizona State | Pac-12 | FR | WR | 3 | 6 | 89 | 14.8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 7 | 89 | 12.7 | 0 |
| *2021 | Arizona State | Pac-12 | FR | WR | 5 | 12 | 154 | 12.8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 154 | 12.8 | 1 | |
| *2022 | Florida State | ACC | SO | 13 | 43 | 897 | 20.9 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43 | 897 | 20.9 | 5 | ||
| *2023 | Florida State | ACC | JR | WR | 10 | 41 | 617 | 15.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 617 | 15.0 | 2 | |
| Career | Overall | 102 | 1757 | 17.2 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 103 | 1757 | 17.1 | 8 | ||||
| Arizona State | 18 | 243 | 13.5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 19 | 243 | 12.8 | 1 | |||||
| Florida State | 84 | 1514 | 18.0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 84 | 1514 | 18.0 | 7 | ||||||
Scouting Reports
Strengths
- Rangy, with an insane wingspan
- Solid YAC threat given his size and speed
- Big-bodied target over the middle of the field
- Slants and crossers were the best routes on tape
- Good run blocker, though should use size more to his advantage
Weaknesses
- Far too many drops
- Quickness is a concern
- Route tree is limited
- Not great at ad-libbing to bail out QB
Pre-Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital: Late 2nd/Early 3rd Round
Ideal Landing Spot: Carolina Panthers
At 6’7″, and 238 pounds, Johnny Wilson hopes to become a massive threat in the red zone in the NFL. For that to happen, he may need to convert to tight end. But, either way, the Panthers have needs at both positions. Wilson has the potential to develop into a go-to guy for Bryce Young inside the 20, and that could help increase both the young QB’s touchdown numbers and confidence. At pick 65 overall at the top of the 3rd round, this is the ideal spot for Wilson.
With new HC Dave Canales set to call plays, it’ll be interesting to see if he can build what was already in place for him in Tampa last season. Over time, perhaps he can turn Wilson and the other young wide receivers into a poor man’s version of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Trey Palmer. That may be a few years or more away, but it’s at least a reason for optimism in Carolina.
Wilson has enough speed to beat defenders deep, but he’s more likely to excel in the short to intermediate-passing game. He was used a lot on slants and crossers in college, which were some of his best routes. Again, it’s the red zone where you’d expect him to become a monster at the next level.
Post-Draft Analysis
Pick 6.185 to the Philadelphia Eagles
Wilson
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe video breakdown of Johnny Wilson below.
