Jamari Johnson (tight end, Oregon) was overshadowed by Kenyon Sadiq in 2025. He has a big opportunity to step into the spotlight in 2026. How will the NFL view him as a prospect?
Jamari Johnson Early Scouting Report
Measureables
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 257 lbs
Statistics
2025: 32 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns.
2024 (for Louisville): 13 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown.
The Tape
Games Watched: at Iowa, Texas Tech (playoffs), and Indiana (playoffs).
Strengths
Johnson has experience lining up all across the formation. He was used most often as a “H” (H-Back), but also saw significant snaps as a “Y” (inline tight end) and “F”/”U” (move/slot tight end). This gives him a varied skill set, and he played 600 snaps in 2025 despite the presence of Sadiq.
Johnson is an excellent blocker. Oregon even asked him to pull and lead running plays, something he does well. He also has experience in pass protection, where he plays with a solid base and looks comfortable. His ability to slide inside against inside rushes makes him look like an offensive tackle.
Jamari Johnson "H" TE on the left of the formation. He's athletic enough to pull across and get a nice block.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/cXbiOlFit7
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) June 7, 2026
On zone runs, Johnson works square effectively to set an edge, all the while keeping his hands on his man. He can also climb to the second level and engage effectively.
Overall, Johnson is a naturally flexible athlete who is able to translate that to his game as a blocker. He plays with good knee bend and a solid base. Johnson also flashes the ability to move defenders. He has good size, with the frame to add a little weight if required.
As a receiver, Johnson has naturally soft hands and has the ability to make the tough catch.
Johnson is not as athletic or quick-twitch as Sadiq, so he’s not a deep threat. However, he has enough speed to be more than just a short-range option for his offense.
Johnson is an effective zone coverage beater. He is best against Cover-2 coverage, showing the ability to run the corner route in the soft spot of that coverage. He uses a change of pace, coming off the ball slowly and then accelerating. This allows him to make a catch before the safety can process he’s a threat and respond to him.
Areas to Improve
As a blocker, it will help Johnson to get stronger. While there are flashes of him moving defenders, he could do so more consistently with added strength.
Now and again, he will duck his head into contact as a blocker, which he should be able to eradicate from his game.
Every now and again Jamari Johnson will duck his head into contact as a blocker. Here's an example. "H" TE, right side of formation.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/ZVo7I70jtW
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) June 7, 2026
Johnson is a decent athlete, but he’s not a great one. At times, he’s the last person to get off the ball, so he’s not a twitchy athlete. This lack of elite athletic ability shows up as a route runner, where separation isn’t always there against man coverage, and as a runner after the catch.
In 2025, Johnson’s route tree was limited. Hopefully, he will be asked to do more with Sadiq now with the New York Jets. Johnson is a linear route runner, and he needs to show more craft in his routes. He has limited experience; this should come with more playing time.
Jamari Johnson’s Key Tests in 2026
Johnson should be able to put up good numbers with a manageable 2026 schedule for the Ducks. The biggest early-season test comes in week four at Southern California.
Later in the season, the two games that stand out are at Ohio State in week 10, before hosting Michigan the following week.
NFL talent evaluators will hope for a playoff qualification to give Johnson and the Ducks further tests.
The full schedule can be found here.
Jamari Johnson Projection and Summary
On the back of a 31-catch breakout year, Darnell Washington recently signed a four-year, $42 contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Washington is an excellent blocker, and this contract is the most recent example of increased value of tight ends who can block well.
Johnson does need to develop more as a receiver, but with a little added strength, he projects as an excellent blocker in the NFL.
He is unlikely to carry the same value as Sadiq (sixteenth overall selection), but with growth, he can still push to be a late first-round pick.
Main Photo: [Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard] – Imagn Images
