Chicago Bears Draft Scout: Keesean Johnson

The Chicago Bears met with Senior Wide Receiver Keesean Johnson. What does the skill set show that has enticed the Bears?

The Chicago Bears do not have many picks this year, so they have to make them count. That is why it was good to see the team meeting with a variety of athletes at both the Shrine Game and the Senior Bowl over the past two weeks. One of those names includes wide receiver, Keesean Johnson.

Johnson has three years of starting experience and back to back 1,000-yard seasons. What does the senior from Fresno State bring to the table and how would he fit on the Chicago Bears?

Strengths

The quality of quarterback play was not strong at Fresno State. That did not stop Johnson from producing. How? His catch radius. Johnson has long arms and an extended catch radius that makes any pass look catchable. In the air, over the middle, it did not matter, Keesean Johnson was able to extend his arms, his hands and his fingers to haul in most passes.

On top of a wide catch radius, Johnson has a solid route tree for his size. he gets in and out of his breaks quickly and has the fluidity to change speeds. This also helps in his ability to track the football down the field.

Weakness

Johnson is not the strongest receiver and typically was not tasked with beating press. He also does not bring the burner speed to break away at the second level. He is a bit thinner framed and without the deep fear it will be a question as to how comfortable he is with beating press.

Johnsons playing strength appears to be modest at best and while he gets praise for his catch radius, he has dropped the easy one a few times as well.

Skinny:

Keesean Johnson went to the same high school and college as Davante Adams and put up similar stats. However, Johnson did not have Derek Carr at Fresno State. Having a lack of burner speed but a huge catch radius is reminiscent of Adams and while that is an upside project that is what makes him an intriguing prospect.

Johnson may not test well at the combine and will slip into the middle rounds. He has starter upside which makes him worthy of consideration for the Chicago Bears.