When Tez Johnson, wide receiver of Tampa Bay Buccaneers caught a 22‑yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Oct. 20, 2025, the league’s fantasy circles finally noticed the 23‑year‑old seventh‑round rookie.
That play capped a three‑game stretch where Johnson hauled in four catches, logged 58 yards and proved he can thrive when the team’s star receivers are sidelined. With veteran Mike Evans nursing a broken collarbone and concussion, and Chris Godwin still on the sidelines from a fibula fracture, the Buccaneers have turned a depth‑chart gamble into a genuine storyline.
How a Seventh‑Round Pick Turned Into a Play‑Maker
Johnson entered the NFL after the 2025 draft as the 235th overall pick, a slot most fans would write off as a “training‑camp flyer.” Yet his college résumé at the University of Oregon hinted at something more: 169 receptions, 2,080 yards and 20 touchdowns over two seasons, including back‑to‑back 10‑TD years. The Buccaneers locked him down with a four‑year contract in May, betting that his route‑running polish could translate to a pro offense that values versatility.
His NFL debut came in Week 3 against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he recorded a modest eight‑yard grab while the team was already dealing with Evans’ hamstring issue. By Week 4, Johnson was on the field for 22 snaps – roughly 36 % of the offense – and turned all four targets into 59 yards against Seattle, a performance CBS Sports' Dan Rieber described as “shiftiness after the catch” that earned him praise on the sidelines.
Injuries to Evans and Godwin Open the Door
The real turning point arrived in Week 7. Evans, a four‑time First‑Team All‑Pro, left the Lions game with a broken collarbone after a hard hit midway through the second quarter. Godwin, who had missed a few earlier games with a lingering fibula injury, was listed as doubtful and eventually missed the matchup entirely. Suddenly, the Buccaneers’ depth chart resembled a revolving door, and Coach Todd Bowles was forced to trust the rookie’s chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
RotoWire’s October 21 analysis highlighted Johnson’s impact: “He tied for second on the night in receptions, yards and targets, and his 22‑yard grab gave the Bucs a spark they desperately needed.” The stats back it up – through seven games Johnson has logged 10 receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns, averaging nearly 17 yards per catch.
Fantasy Implications: From Deep‑League Flier to Week‑to‑Week Starter
For fantasy owners, Johnson’s ADP jumped from #608 at the draft to #336 in the latest RotoWire rankings, a shift that reflects both his on‑field production and the heightened need for a reliable pass‑catcher. Analysts note his target share could climb to 12‑15 % of the Buccaneers’ total while Evans and Godwin recover, turning him into a potential weekly starter in leagues with flex spots.
- Current season totals (Week 7): 10 receptions, 170 yards, 2 TDs.
- Target share: ~11 % of all Buccaneers passes.
- Fantasy points per game: 6.8 PPR (projected).
- Projected targets vs Chiefs (Oct 27) and Cowboys (Nov 3): 4‑5 per game.
RotoWire’s preseason outlook called him “a seventh‑round steal,” and the data now validates that sentiment. If Evans returns sooner than expected, Johnson may slide back into a complementary role, but his punt‑return duties and route versatility keep his ceiling high.
What’s Next for Tampa Bay’s Receiving Corps?
The Buccaneers face a packed schedule: a hostile encounter with the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct 27, followed by a showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Nov 3. Both teams boast elite secondaries, meaning Mayfield will need reliable hands to keep drives alive. With Evans on the injury list and Godwin’s timeline still uncertain, Johnson is projected to see at least four targets per game across those matchups.
Beyond the immediate week, the depth chart could solidify around a three‑receiver rotation: Johnson, Jalen McMillan (the 2024 third‑round pick), and a healthy Evans if his collarbone heals quickly. Coach Bowles has hinted in press conferences that he values “play‑makers who aren’t afraid to make moves after the catch,” a description that fits Johnson’s skill set to a tee.
Background: From Alabama Roots to Oregon’s Air Raid
Born in Jefferson County, Alabama, Johnson first made a name at Troy University before transferring to Oregon, where he embraced a high‑tempo offense that sharpened his separation skills. Off the field, he’s known for his Christian faith and a family tie that often surprises fans – he’s the adoptive brother of Bo Nix, Denver Broncos quarterback.
Those personal connections, combined with a work‑ethic honed in the Deep South and polished on the West Coast, have helped him adjust quickly to the NFL’s speed. Even his teammates have taken note; in a locker‑room interview after the Lions game, a veteran Bucs receiver said, “Tez brings an energy that’s contagious. He’s not scared to run the route we need, even if it’s not in the playbook.”
Key Facts
- Tez Johnson – 23‑year‑old rookie WR, drafted 235th overall (7th round, 2025).
- Current Buccaneers stats (Week 7): 10‑2‑170, 17.0 yd/catch.
- Mike Evans – 32, broken collarbone + concussion, out 3‑4 weeks.
- Chris Godwin – 29, fibula injury, status TBD.
- Fantasy ADP: #336 (RotoWire, Oct 21, 2025).
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tez Johnson’s emergence affect Tampa Bay’s offense?
With Evans and Godwin sidelined, Johnson moves from a depth‑chart filler to a primary target. His route precision and yards‑after‑catch ability give the Buccaneers a reliable outlet, especially on third‑down situations, helping maintain offensive rhythm while the starters recover.
What’s the timeline for Mike Evans’ return?
Medical reports project a 4‑6 week recovery for Evans’ broken collarbone and concussion. He could be back for the Week 11 matchup against the New England Patriots if rehab goes smoothly.
Is Johnson a viable weekly starter for fantasy owners?
If Evans remains out and Godwin’s fibula hasn’t healed, Johnson’s target share should hover around 12‑15 % of the offense, translating to 4‑5 catches per game. That volume puts him comfortably in weekly starter range for PPR leagues, especially with his high yards‑per‑catch average.
What does the future hold for the Buccaneers’ receiving corps?
Coach Bowles is likely to adopt a three‑receiver set once Evans returns, keeping Johnson as the third option. His special‑teams contributions on punt returns also add roster flexibility, ensuring he stays on the active list even when the veteran lineup is healthy.
How did Johnson’s college performance translate to the NFL?
At Oregon, Johnson thrived in a pass‑heavy system, averaging 12.3 yards per catch and posting 20 touchdowns over two seasons. Those numbers, combined with his route‑tree depth, have helped him quickly adapt to the complex NFL playbook, evident in his 31 yards after catch against Seattle.