Avery Johnson

NFL Draft Profile: Avery Johnson

Position: Quarterback | School: Kansas State | Class: Junior

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 196 lbs | Archetype: Dual-Threat

College Career Summary

Avery Johnson entered the 2025 season as one of the most hyped athletes in college football. After a breakout sophomore campaign where he set a school record with 25 passing touchdowns, Johnson took the reins of a Kansas State program in transition under new offensive coordinator Matt Wells.

His 2025 season was a test of resilience. While the Wildcats finished with a modest 6-6 regular-season record, Johnson continued to showcase the elite speed and "off-platform" playmaking that made him a viral sensation as a freshman. He remains one of the fastest quarterbacks in the country, recorded a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, and has become the focal point of the K-State offense. Johnson finished the 2025 regular season with over 2,800 total yards and 26 total touchdowns, solidifying his status as a high-upside developmental prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft.

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Passing Yards: 2,385

• Completion %: 59.8%

• Passing TDs: 18

• Interceptions: 6

• Rushing Yards: 477

• Rushing TDs: 8

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Cmp/Att, Yds, TD/INT)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Iowa State	14/22, 161 Yds, 1 TD/0 INT	B	Played in Dublin, Ireland. Efficient but conservative in a narrow loss.
2	vs North Dakota	19/29, 245 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT	A	Showcased improved pocket poise and vertical accuracy.
3	vs Army	15/22, 178 Yds, 2 TD/1 INT	B-	Limited possessions; struggled to find rhythm against the clock.
4	@ #21 Arizona	18/31, 202 Yds, 0 TD/1 INT	C+	Stifled by a complex secondary; salvaged the day with his legs.
5	vs UCF	22/33, 285 Yds, 3 TD/0 INT	A+	The Best. Total mastery of RPO concepts and mid-range touch.
6	@ Baylor	21/36, 260 Yds, 2 TD/1 INT	B	Productive in a shootout; showed elite speed on a 40-yard TD run.
7	vs TCU	19/31, 258 Yds, 2 TD/0 INT	A-	Clinical performance; effectively moved the sticks on 3rd downs.
8	@ Kansas	11/17, 231 Yds, 2 TD/0 INT	B+	Sunflower Showdown. Averaged 13.6 YPA in a blowout win.
9	vs #4 Texas Tech	16/33, 199 Yds, 1 TD/2 INT	D+	Forced throws under heavy pressure; mechanics became erratic.
10	@ Oklahoma State	15/28, 177 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	B-	Defensive battle. Managed a "small-ball" offense to secure the win.
11	@ #15 Utah	12/23, 102 Yds, 1 TD/1 INT	C	Weather was a factor. Effectively used as a runner (72 yards).
12	vs Colorado	10/17, 115 Yds, 0 TD/0 INT	B	Played in heavy snow. Leaner game plan focused on ball security.

NFL Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite "Twitch" & Speed: Johnson is arguably the most athletic QB in the 2026 class. His acceleration is "receiver-esque," making him a lethal threat on designed runs and scrambles.

• Rapid Release: He possesses a whip-like, compact throwing motion that allows him to excel in RPO and quick-game distributions.

• Poise in Chaos: He does not panic when the pocket collapses. He maintains downfield vision while navigating traffic, often finding late-developing crossers.

• Intangibles: Known for his "golden boy" aura and infectious leadership, he has the temperament NFL teams want in a franchise centerpiece.

Weaknesses

• Lean Frame: At 196 lbs, he is "thinly built" for a dual-threat QB. NFL scouts have major durability concerns regarding his ability to survive a 17-game schedule.

• Inconsistent Mechanics: When he can't set his feet, his accuracy suffers. He has a tendency to "arm" throws rather than using his lower body, leading to overthrows.

• Staring Down Targets: He can occasionally "deadlock" on his primary read, allowing NFL-level safeties to jump routes.

• Volume Passing: Hasn't yet proven he can win a game purely from the pocket when the run game is neutralized (as seen in the Texas Tech game).

Scheme Fit

• Primary Fit: Modern RPO / Spread. He is a hand-in-glove fit for teams like the Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles—offenses that prioritize mobile QBs who can stress defenses horizontally and vertically.

Scout's Final Word

"Avery Johnson is the ultimate 'traits' prospect. You can't teach 4.5 speed or the natural throwing torque he possesses. While his completion percentage is still a work in progress, his 18:6 TD-to-INT ratio in 2025 shows he is learning to protect the ball. He currently projects as a Round 2–4 Developmental Prospect with a sky-high ceiling if he can add 15 lbs of muscle and refine his footwork."