Category: Collin Johnson

Watch: Mike Glennon, Collin Johnson connect for 46-yard touchdown vs. Browns

Despite having their third QB take the field Sunday, the Jags’ offense was able to score early and often in their game vs. the Browns.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense had to play various reserves due to injuries, but that hasn’t stopped them from scoring points in the second half of Week 12’s game against the Cleveland Browns. After two successful field goal attempt, they were able to find the end zone in the second quarter thanks to a 46-yard connection from quarterback Mike Glennon to receiver Collin Johnson.

In the play, Johnson lined up at the top of the formation and ran a post. After he cleared to the other side of the field, Glennon delivered a strike over the top of the coverage and the rest was history.

The touchdown temporarily gave the Jags the lead by a score of 13-10. However, the Browns would regain the lead not too soon after as quarterback Baker Mayfield hit tight end Austin Hooper for a 9-yard touchdown reception, putting the score at 17-13 before the half.

Johnson’s catch put him at two receptions for 59 yards on the day. That’s good for the Jags’ receiving high at the moment, however, they will need him to continue his success if they are to come from behind and win.

2 Jaguars make PFF’s top-10 rookie rankings for Week 1

The Jags got a crazy amount of contributions from their rookies during their season opener against Indy, but two in particular were huge.

Opening weekend came and went in the blink of an eye for the NFL. Something to savor for football fans everywhere as the season kicked off after so much doubt and anticipation. It was also something to savor for Jaguars fans in particular, who witnessed their team come away with a shocking 27-20 win after many in the media tried to persuade them that the team was “tanking for Trevor.”

A big part of the Jaguars’ win on Sunday was the impact that rookies had on the overall team performance. The roster underwent a huge overhaul during the course of the offseason and many were wondering whether the team would be able to remain competitive as a result.

The 2020 rookie class more than answered the call on Sunday. There were seven first-year pros who made meaningful contributions to the team’s 1-0 start to 2020.

Both rookie receivers Collin Johnson and Laviska Shenault Jr. made their presence felt on offense. Johnson had a grab to help the Jags convert a third-down and put on an athletic display at the end of the game with a backflip while in victory formation. Shenault saw a 62% snap count and was able to register three receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown.

New offensive coordinator Jay Gruden involved Shenault out of the backfield, too, at one time deploying putting him in the wildcat for a reasonable gain. Needless to say, it got fans on Twitter very excited.

Among all of these impressive debuts, there were two rookies on the Jags’ roster who had breakout games on Sunday. In fact, their showings were so impressive that the Jags were the only team to have two players featured on Pro Football Focus’ list of top-10 graded rookies.

10. RB James Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars

Robinson recorded 62 rushing yards on 16 carries, with 56 yards coming after contact, earning a 65.7 rushing grade that ranked 11th of 26 running backs. He didn’t get much help from the line at times, as he was contacted at or behind the line of scrimmage on nine of 16 carries, but he still managed to break off a couple of 10-plus-yard gains despite that.

Head coach Doug Marrone said his decision to move on from Leonard Fournette boiled down to what the staff saw on the practice field, an area where James Robinson seemingly flourished. The former Illinois State star was the only back in the NFL to have 100% of their team’s running back rushing attempts.

The Jaguars’ new starting running back owns a piece of history after his impressive debut, setting a new opening weekend rushing record for undrafted rookies with 62 yards. That’s, well worthy of the tenth spot on PFF’s list of rookies this week.

2. CB C.J. Henderson, Jacksonville Jaguars

CJ Henderson might have put in the best rookie debut in franchise history. It is easy to over-exaggerate after one week, but the job he did shutting down the left side of the field was nothing short of phenomenal. PFF said so themselves:

The No. 9 overall pick then earned an 84.2 PFF grade against Indianapolis in Week 1, the second-best grade of the week at the position. His grade when lined up on the outside was actually the best we have ever recorded by a rookie in Week 1 in the PFF era, and he allowed only two catches on six man-coverage targets (17 such coverage snaps) while making four plays made on the ball.

There was no doubt that the Jaguars were going to rely on their young guys to produce, but the responsibility placed on Henderson’s shoulders could have seen him crumble early.

Corner is a notoriously difficult position to translate to, yet Henderson handled the pressure like a seasoned pro. His success against a four-time Pro Bowler meant the team kept him on the field for 73 of the teams 74 defensive plays, ranked third amongst all defenders.

Both Robinson and Henderson will need to continue their growth heading forward, and if they do, the Jags have a good chance to exceed expectations. Both will be interesting to watch as the Jags take on another divisional rival in the Tennessee Titans Week 2 in Nashville.

Jags rookie WR Collin Johnson discusses his thoughts on being a late draft pick

Another day of camp is in the books for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the offense has made some noteworthy plays in the past few days of it. The wide receivers in particular have flashed as of late with Jags’ offensive coordinator Jay Gruden …

Another day of camp is in the books for the Jacksonville Jaguars and the offense has made some noteworthy plays in the past few days of it.

The wide receivers in particular have flashed as of late with Jags’ offensive coordinator Jay Gruden discussing his excitement of working with D.J. Chark. However, during Saturday’s scrimmage, it was fifth-round rookie Collin Johnson who was the star of the show, making several impressive plays in what looks to be the Jags’ last big hurdle of training camp.

 

Johnson sat down with the media to talk about his journey thus far to the NFL and how happy he was to finally get the call from head coach Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell:

“I knew I would get an opportunity, whether it be in the first round, fifth round like I was, undrafted, I didn’t know at the time but I knew I would get an opportunity and I believed in it,” Johnson said Saturday. “Once that phone rang and Coach Marrone called me and Mr. Caldwell called me and gave me an opportunity, that’s literally all I could ask for and I was extremely thankful and each and every day I go out there with a chip on my shoulder trying to prove myself right.”

While at the University of Texas, Johnson was a go-to player for the Longhorns’ offense, especially during his junior season where he accumulated 69 catches for 985 yards and seven touchdowns. Afterward, he was poised to make an even bigger leap in 2019, however, hamstring injuries limited him to just seven games where he accumulated just 559 yards. Still, during the draft process, Johnson said he didn’t let where he was selected discourage him because he still ultimately got his shot.

“I didn’t let being drafted in the fifth round just kill my confidence, I just was thankful for an opportunity…all you can ask for is an opportunity and that’s what I got and now basically its up to me to take advantage of that opportunity,” Johnson added.

The massive 6-foot-6, 222-pounder who was taken 165th overall has done nothing but work hard and impress since that moment. As a result, he will undoubtedly make the final roster and should compliment the likes of D.J. Chark, Chris Conley, Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, and fellow rookie Laviska Shenault Jr. quite well.

Podcast: Jags Wire chats with NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah

The Jags will need a lot of help from their 2020 draft class. To discuss the group, Jags Wire sat down with draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

If the Jacksonville Jaguars are to have a successful 2020 season, they are going to need a lot of help from their rookie class. While that may seem like a difficult feat to achieve, it’s worth noting the team had arguably 2019’s best class in terms of contributions with players like Gardner Minshew II, Jawaan Taylor, and Josh Allen aiding the team to six wins.

To discuss the potential of the Jags’ most recent class from April, we spoke to someone who covered it live on ESPN for NFL Network in draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. The former scout of the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Philadelphia Eagles joined us for our latest episode of the “Bleav in the Jags Podcast” and had plenty of takes the fans will definitely like.

Some of the specific topics we discussed outside of the Jags 12-man draft class was Jeremiah’s pick for the Jags’ top undrafted addition, his thoughts on how COVID-19 will affect college football, Gardner Minshew, being a general manager one day, and more.

After our conversation with Jeremiah, Jags Wire contributor Phil Smith and I continued to discuss Jimmy Smith’s recent resurgence on Twitter and the Jags’ value, according to Forbes.

Feel free to listen to the archived episodes of “Bleav in the Jags,”too, and subscribe via Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

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Jags QB Gardner Minshew impressed with rookie WRs Laviska Shenault, Collin Johnson so far

While he hasn’t spent a lot of time with them, Gardner Minshew likes what he’s seen from rookie WRs Laviska Shenault Jr and Collin Johnson.

While the Jacksonville Jaguars spent more draft picks on the defense than the offense, they did end up with two receivers who gives them a mix of size and ability on the perimeter. Those receivers were second-round pick Laviska Shenault Jr. and fifth-rounder Collin Johnson, and it seems both are making quite the impression on quarterback Gardner Minshew in the early stages of camp.

“Laviska’s a freak man,” Minshew told the media Tuesday. “I knew it when we played him at Colorado. I was glad he wasn’t super healthy that game because he changes the game when he has the ball in his hands. He’s really impressed me. He’s a better route runner and a lot better catching the ball than even I expected. So I’m really excited for what he’s going to be.”

“Collin is a really big guy but doesn’t really move like a big guy. He moves really well. [He] smooth in and out of his cuts catches the ball well. Both of those guys love ball and they love learning. [They are] excited to be here so I’m excited to work with them.”

The additions of Shenault and Johnson could pay off tremendously for the offense, which had a couple of weapons already in D.J. Chark Jr. and Leonard Fournette. Of course, a lot will hinge on the offensive line but their cohesiveness could be stronger in 2020 as the same group of five starters will be returning.

At 6-foot-1, 227-pounds, Shenault is a player who should bring physicality and versatility as he lined up on the perimeter, in the slot, at running back, and wildcat quarterback in college. He finished his career at Colorado with 1,943 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

Johnson, on the other hand, looks more like a basketball player at 6-foot-6, 222-pounds. Not only will he provide Minshew with a can’t miss target downfield, but he offers the receivers corps a sure-handed receiver. It’s possible he’ll see a lot of opportunities in the red zone this season, as the Jags are clearly going to have to score more than they did in 2019 to turn things around.

Listen to the latest from Jags Wire’s own James Johnson and Phil Smith on their podcast “Bleav in the Jags.” Subscribe via Apple Podcasts and check out our archived episodes via Bleav Podcasts.

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Jags rookies Laviska Shenault Jr., Collin Johnson, Jake Luton receive Madden 21 ratings

Three members of the Jags’ rookie class have received their “Madden NFL 21” ratings with Laviska Shenault receiving first-round pick numbers.

With “Madden NFL 21” set to come out next month, Electronic Arts has began to release the ratings for each rookie selected in the 2020 draft class. On Thursday and Friday, the respective ratings for the league’s rookie quarterbacks and receivers came out, which included Jacksonville Jaguars rookies Jake Luton, Laviska Shenault Jr., and Collin Johnson.

Luton, who was drafted out of Oregon State University, was selected the latest out of the trio (No. 189th overall). As a result, he was given a 59 overall rating, which is the lowest grade of the Jags’ rookie class so far. Luton’s best attribute is his throwing power, which comes in at a solid 87 rating.

Johnson, a fifth-round selection from the University of Texas, was given a 67 overall rating. He is a highly athletic receiver as evidenced by his 90 rated jumping attribute.

Shenault registered the highest rating among the Jags’ rookies, coming in with a 72 overall rating. The 6-foot-1, 223-pound receiver out of Colorado University is another incredible athlete on the Jaguars’ roster as evidenced by his ratings spread. He received a jump rating of 91 (his highest), but he has attributes that are actually similar to most running backs. For instance, Shenault’s ball carrying vision and juke move ratings came in at 85 and 89, respectively. For good measure Shenault’s tackle breaking rating came out to be an 82, which once again shows off how physical of a player he is.

While these numbers may seem low at first glance, rookies generally take a pounding in the ratings since their professional talent has yet to be established. If the season goes well for them, they may see a huge jump in their rating for the next “Madden NFL” installment.

Watch: Jags rookie WR Collin Johnson dons his NFL jersey for the first time

The Jacksonville Jaguars needed help at receiver heading into April’s draft and came away with two when it was all over. Of course, the first receiver selected was Laviska Shenault Jr., who was a well-known prospect coming out of the draft process. …

The Jacksonville Jaguars needed help at receiver heading into April’s draft and came away with two when it was all over.

Of course, the first receiver selected was Laviska Shenault Jr., who was a well-known prospect coming out of the draft process. The second receiver was Collin Johnson, who many haven’t really talked about because he was a fifth-round pick.

However, when looking at Johnson’s size (6-foot-6, 222-pounds) he gives the Jags a big target like no other on the roster — at least within the wide receivers group. That’s exactly why fans should be excited about the former Longhorn, who aided the University of Texas to have one of the more impressive offenses in college football.

As far as seeing him officially suit up in his jersey, fans no longer have to wait until the Jags’ first preseason or regular season game to see him in black and teal. After signing his contract this month, the organization sent Johnson his jersey through the mail, and of course, he wasted no time putting it on to share the moment with fans over social media.

Looks good if you ask me!

Johnson will get to finally link up with his teammates next month on July 28th for training camp. While he and all of the other rookies from the 2020 class could be behind due to not having organized team activities and minicamp, he’ll have plenty of notable names to take him in like Pro Bowler D.J. Chark and veteran Chris Conley to name a few.

Watch: Jags rookie Collin Johnson proposes to girlfriend Sara Machado

It appears D.J. Chark isn’t the only receiver who will be tying the knot soon as Collin Johnson will be doing the same, too. On Friday, the rookie receiver shared his proposal to his girlfriend, Sara Machado, via social media, which took place on …

It appears D.J. Chark isn’t the only receiver who will be tying the knot soon as Collin Johnson will be doing the same, too. On Friday, the rookie receiver shared his proposal to his girlfriend, Sara Machado, via social media, which took place on the beach of Santa Cruz, California.

Per Johnson’s Twitter account, the two have been together since high school. Their relationship then continued through Johnson’s tenure with the Texas Longhorns to present day, which led him to pop the big question.

 

It’s been a crazy year for Johnson who was selected by the Jags in April’s draft in the fifth round. He signed his contract a few weeks ago around the same time rookie tight end Tyler Davis did, making his tenure with the Jags official.

Johnson was a star for the Longhorns’ explosive offense and exited his collegiate career with them with 188 catches, 2,624 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns. Now that he’s with the Jags, the hope is that he can be a big-bodied target for quarterback Gardner Minshew II, especially in the red-zone as the Jags didn’t score a lot of points last season.

Collin Johnson labeled as Jags’ biggest steal in 2020 draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars came into April’s draft in need of a big-bodied wide receiver and ended up drafting two. In addition to second round pick Laviska Shenault Jr., the team circled back to the receiver position and selected Texas receiver …

The Jacksonville Jaguars came into April’s draft in need of a big-bodied wide receiver and ended up drafting two. In addition to second round pick Laviska Shenault Jr., the team circled back to the receiver position and selected Texas receiver Collin Johnson late in the process, too.

Both will give Gardner Minshew II wide-range targets, but Johnson, who is 6-foot-6, 222-pounds, will particularly be the team’s biggest receiver when he steps on the field. That was a big part of what made him successful in Texas, but due to injuries hindering him in 2019 and concerns for his speed, his draft stock dropped tremendously from 2019 to 2020. As a result, he was available in the fifth round for the Jags to snag.

Despite that, Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling labeled Johnson as the Jags’ biggest steal this April in a recent post.

The reason Easterling and others believe Johnson is a steal is that they’re likely taking into consideration his 2018 season. That season was his strongest as he participated in 13 contests, registered 68 catches for 985 yards and seven touchdowns. When adding in how he utilized his size with that production, there were some who considered him a first round pick in April of 2019.

The good thing is that the Jags will get to gradually bring him into things as it appears D.J. Chark, Chris Conley, Dede Westbrook, and probably Shenault will be ahead of him on the depth chart. That could lead to him being utilized mostly for red-zone situations in 2020 while 2021 will present a chance for him to move up on the depth chart with Conley, Westbrook, and Cole set to be free agents next year.

Jags ink fifth-round rookie Collin Johnson

This past weekend the Jacksonville Jaguars inked their second pick from April’s draft in sixth-round tight end Tyler Davis, and on Thursday, they made it official. They also announced that they came to terms with fifth-round receiver Collin Johnson, …

This past weekend the Jacksonville Jaguars inked their second pick from April’s draft in sixth-round tight end Tyler Davis, and on Thursday, they made it official. They also announced that they came to terms with fifth-round receiver Collin Johnson, too, bringing them to three signed draft selections.

Johnson, 22, was the No. 165th pick of April’s draft out of Texas. At 6-foot-6, 222 pounds, he was one of the Longhorns’ top offensive threats dating back to 2016 and finished his time with them with a career total of 188 catches for 2,624 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.

Johnson will now join a Jags receivers corps that needed pass-catchers coming into the offseason. In 2019, the team proved they had a legit receiving threat in D.J. Chark, however, it was clear he needed a dance partner on the outside. With that being the case, the Jags drafted Colorado’s Laviska Shenault Jr. in the second round before taking Johnson in the fifth.

In our depth chart predictions, we had Johnson making the team as the Jags’ sixth receiver. It’s possible the team could look to use him as a red-zone threat much like they had plans for Allen Lazard before the Green Bay Packers snagged him off their practice squad.

Per Over the Cap, Johnson’s full contract salary is projected at a little over $3.6 million with a signing bonus of over 300K. The signing bonus will be paid out over the course of a four-year contract, which will equal about $76,788 annually in addition to his base salaries.