The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have uncovered a major offensive weapon in seventh-round pick Tez Johnson, who is already turning heads early in 2026 training camp and appears ready for an expanded role.
When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected wide receiver Tez Johnson in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, expectations were understandably limited.
Seventh-round picks are never guaranteed to make an impact, let alone become meaningful contributors on offense. Johnson also entered a crowded receiver room featuring established stars like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, along with first-round pick Emeka Egbuka and second-year receiver Jalen McMillan.
The path to early playing time appeared difficult.
Instead, Johnson quickly forced his way onto the field and became one of the more productive rookie receivers in franchise history.
Tez Johnson Exceeded Expectations as a Rookie
Johnson finished his rookie season with 28 receptions for 322 yards and five touchdowns. While those numbers may not immediately jump off the page, the context makes his production far more impressive.
As a seventh-round selection, Johnson became one of only two receivers in Buccaneers history drafted in the seventh round or later to record at least 20 receptions and 200 receiving yards as a rookie.
His 28 receptions ranked second all-time among late-round Buccaneers receivers, while his 322 receiving yards also ranked second. His five touchdown catches were the most by any seventh-round or later receiver in franchise history.
The only player ahead of him in multiple categories was Sammie Stroughter, who was selected 233rd overall in 2009, just two picks ahead of where Johnson was drafted.
Johnson’s production was especially impressive considering the talent surrounding him.
He was not expected to immediately become a major part of the offense. Injuries to Evans, Godwin and McMillan created opportunities, but Johnson still had to capitalize once his number was called.
He did exactly that.
Johnson Playing With More Confidence in Year Two
Now entering his second season, Johnson appears ready to build on that foundation.
Through the first few practices of training camp, Johnson has been one of Tampa Bay’s most consistent standouts. He has repeatedly created separation and made explosive plays downfield, continuing that trend during Sunday’s practice.
Johnson credits his increased confidence to the experience he gained as a rookie.
“I think my confidence is just higher than last year,” Johnson stated. “Last year I was just trying to feel it out. I got kind of thrown into the fire a little earlier than what I expected, so coming back with the confidence and having that playing time from last year, it just gives me that confidence I needed.”
That early experience could prove valuable as the Buccaneers transition into a new offensive system under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
Tez Johnson Proving His Speed Translates to the NFL
Johnson’s fall to the seventh round was largely attributed to concerns about his size and athletic testing.
The Buccaneers list him at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, and Head Coach Todd Bowles jokingly suggested Johnson looked closer to “120” pounds during training camp.
He also ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which did not stand out among NFL prospects.
However, Johnson has shown that his game speed is much different than a timed workout.
His ability to consistently create explosive plays has demonstrated that he can separate against NFL defenders.
“I think a lot of people are shocked by how fast when I’m playing football, because it may not seem like that from the Combine,” Johnson stated. “I definitely use my speed to my advantage, for sure.”
Johnson’s quickness, route-running ability and confidence have allowed him to overcome the concerns that caused teams to overlook him during the draft.
The Buccaneers’ Energizer Bunny
Beyond his production, Johnson has quickly become one of the most energetic players on the roster.
During last Thursday’s two-minute drill, Johnson hauled in a deep touchdown pass from quarterback Jake Browning before celebrating with his trademark backflip.
The training camp crowd responded immediately.
For Johnson, that energy has always been part of who he is.
“I think it’s kind of just how I’ve been my whole life, the Energizer Bunny,” Johnson stated. “I love playing football and the game, I always tell people all the time that if they took all the money away I would still play football, I just love the game.”
That passion has made him a fan favorite, and Johnson appreciates the support from Buccaneers fans at training camp.
“Once again, it’s giving me confidence,” Johnson stated. “The Krewe is awesome. I love this place because of the fans and the kids. When you come out here every single day and play the game you love, and then you have the fans that are behind you and cheering your name, it’s awesome. I don’t take it for granted.”
Tez Johnson Could Have a Bigger Role in 2026
Johnson played 495 offensive snaps during his rookie season, more than Evans, Godwin or McMillan.
Obviously, injuries played a major role in creating those opportunities. The Buccaneers did not enter the 2025 season expecting a seventh-round rookie to handle such a significant workload.
However, Johnson proved he belonged.
Now, with Evans no longer in Tampa Bay and the Buccaneers adjusting to Robinson’s offensive scheme, Johnson has a chance to carve out an even larger role.
The question is no longer whether Johnson can contribute.
He already answered that.
The next challenge is determining just how much of an impact he can make.
After being thrown into the fire as a rookie, Johnson enters 2026 with confidence, experience and a growing reputation as one of Tampa Bay’s most exciting young offensive weapons.
Shout out to Scott Smith for the quotes and concept.
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