Dawgs By Nature
The Browns have a need for the receiver room in the NFL draft
The receiving class at the Reese’s Senior Bowl was outstanding all week. The 1-on-1 drills with the defensive backs are where you either shine or fold and display your flaws. Below are two wide receivers who each had a terrific week as the Cleveland Browns coaches and front office watched on.
Jalen Royals had 1,914 yards with 21 touchdowns in his final two college years with 32 college starts. He suffered a foot injury last October that ended his senior year but he still had 834 yards in a short seven-game season.
He has been called a draft “sleeper” but has had a great week of practice and showed he belongs in the league. Against Boise State, he put up 211 yards on nine receptions with two scores.
Tez Johnson has taken over the Senior Bowl and impressed everyone despite being only 156 pounds. He catches everything and has more moves than Miralax. With 20 touchdown catches in his final two college seasons along with 83 and 86 receptions, respectively. Had a beast of a week here in Mobile.
If you don’t know his story, Johnson’s father committed suicide when he was in high school. His high school football coach, Pat Nix, took him in and eventually adopted him. Pat’s son is Denver Broncos QB Bo Nix. The pair won a high school state championship plus played together at Oregon. In the questions below, he talks about that journey.
Dawgs By Nature staff writer Barry Shuck covered the Senior Bowl this week and was able to talk to two of the week’s best receivers.
Q: What do you want to prove this week at the Senior Bowl?
A: That I belong here. The injury took away some games that made my numbers lower than I would have liked. Just a guy who gets it done and does whatever I have to do to get it done. My practices and work ethic this week will say quite a bit about me.
Q: You played at a smaller school. Is that a disadvantage?
A: I don’t think it’s an advantage or a disadvantage. I realize that some people might not have seen me play on Saturdays or on TV. As long as I am in the scout’s radar that is what counts. And being invited to an All-Star game such as the Senior Bowl. That tells them that someone is paying attention.
Q: Who are some of your favorite NFL players?
A: I like Deontay Johnson who is a size comparison to me. He’s very shifty and I’m very shifty. I also like D.J. Moore.
Q: When did you begin to notice NFL scouts?
A: After my growth spurt I noticed them in my junior year of high school. They came mostly for the senior players, but my coach said...
