PFF’s Daire Carragher recently recognized Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson as one of the NFL’s best seventh-round selections entering the 2026 season, naming him to the outlet’s All-Seventh Round Team.
Johnson was selected alongside Minnesota Vikings receiver Jauan Jennings and New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele. Carragher pointed to Johnson’s unique skill set as the slot receiver of the group, noting that his production during a key stretch of his rookie season helped establish him as one of the draft’s biggest late-round steals.
While Johnson’s first NFL campaign featured its share of ups and downs, he flashed significant upside during the middle portion of the season. From Weeks 5 through 10, the former Oregon standout produced 247 receiving yards and four touchdowns, showcasing the speed and playmaking ability that made him an intriguing developmental prospect coming out of college.
Johnson finished the year with five touchdown receptions despite operating in a crowded receiving room. Several of his strongest performances came during Tampa Bay’s midseason stretch, including touchdown catches against San Francisco, Detroit, New England, and Los Angeles. His ability to create after the catch also stood out, averaging eight yards after catch per reception against Detroit while forcing multiple missed tackles throughout the season.
The recognition comes at an important time for Tampa Bay’s offense. Following Mike Evans’ departure in free agency, the Buccaneers enter 2026 searching for additional receiving production behind Chris Godwin and Emeka Egbuka. Johnson will compete with Jalen McMillan and rookie Ted Hurst for snaps, but his versatility and experience working both outside and in the slot could help him carve out a larger role.
For a seventh-round pick, Johnson has already exceeded expectations. If he can build upon the flashes he showed as a rookie, Tampa Bay may have found another valuable contributor late in the draft.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs wide receiver included in PFF’s all-seventh round team for 2026
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
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By Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
