Jamari Johnson

NFL Draft Profile: Jamari Johnson

Position: Tight End | School: Oregon (via Louisville) | Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Height: 6'5" | Weight: 257 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid / Blocking

College Career Summary

Jamari Johnson is a physical specimen whose college career was defined by a transition from a "Swiss Army Knife" athlete to a specialized NFL-caliber tight end. A former four-star recruit from Inglewood, CA, Johnson initially signed with Louisville, where he spent two seasons. After a redshirt year in 2023, he flashed high-end potential in 2024 (13 rec, 158 yds, 1 TD) before a season-ending ankle injury cut his campaign short after seven games.

Seeking a fresh start and a higher-profile stage, Johnson transferred to Oregon for the 2025 season. In Eugene, he became a critical "Y" tight end in Dan Lanning's offense, primarily serving as the heavy in-line blocker paired with Kenyon Sadiq’s vertical threat. While his reception totals remained modest (24 rec), his efficiency as a "big play" blocker and intermediate target (15.0 YPC) helped fuel the Ducks' run to the College Football Playoff.

2025 Regular Season Stats

• Receptions: 24 | Receiving Yards: 361 | TDs: 2

• Avg: 15.0 YPC | Long: 56 | Targets: 28

• Drops: 1 (Extremely reliable in limited opportunities).

• Career Totals: 37 Rec, 519 Yds, 3 TD.

2025 Game-by-Game Grades

Week	Opponent	Stats (Rec/Yds/TD)	Grade	Scout's Notes
1	vs Montana St	0 / 0 / 0	B	Pure blocking role; graded out high as a lead blocker for RBs.
2	vs Oklahoma St	1 / 6 / 0	B-	Short check-down; solid in pass protection.
3	@ Northwestern	2 / 22 / 0	B+	Moved the chains on 3rd down; showcased strong hands.
4	vs Oregon State	2 / 21 / 0	B	Physical dominance in the "Civil War" run game.
5	@ Penn State	1 / 2 / 1	A-	Clutch. Caught a goal-line TD in a double-OT thriller.
7	vs Indiana	1 / 3 / 0	C+	Minimal impact in a loss; struggled with speed rushers.
8	@ Rutgers	1 / 56 / 0	A	The Apex. Career-long catch; outran a safety on a seam.
9	vs Wisconsin	1 / 23 / 0	B+	High-effort play; reeled in a catch through heavy contact.
10	@ Michigan	4 / 36 / 0	A-	High-volume day (for him); proved reliable in the short game.
11	vs Maryland	4 / 57 / 0	A	Showcased YAC ability; broke two arm tackles on a screen.
12	vs Washington	3 / 42 / 1	A+	The Apex. Signature rivalry performance; TD and elite blocking.
13	Big Ten Title	2 / 13 / 0	B	Focused on pass-pro against an elite defensive line.

Scouting Grade Rubric

Intangibles (.20) — Grade: 92/100

• Leadership: Selected as a captain in high school; leads by example with physical play.

• Mental Toughness: Recovered from a season-ending injury in 2024 to thrive in a new system.

• Competitor: High. Plays with a mean streak; relishes the "dirty work."

• Team Player: Accepted a blocking-heavy role at Oregon despite being a former WR/QB.

• Star Power: He has the "specimen" look that NFL GMs covet in the first round.

Physical Tools (.20) — Grade: 98/100

• Height/Weight: 6'5", 257 lbs. (Exceeds both NFL benchmarks).

• Stamina: High; maintains blocking leverage throughout 12-play drives.

• Durability: Played 13 games in 2025 after a major injury in 2024.

• Injury History: 2024 ankle surgery is the only major flag; looked 100% in 2025.

Attributes (.20) — Grade: 88/100

• Catching: Solid; former quarterback/wideout has soft, reliable hands.

• Route Running: Developing; master of the seam and flat, needs more nuance on breaks.

• Strength: Elite. Bull-strong; translates weight room numbers to the field easily.

• Blocking: High-End. Possesses the leg drive and leverage to bury DEs.

• Release: Efficient; uses a heavy hand-swipe to clear press-man coverage.

Athleticism (.20) — Grade: 93/100

• Speed: 4.65 (Estimated). Massive strider who can run past linebackers.

• Agility: Solid for his size, though not a "wiggle" runner.

• Jumping: Excellent; former basketball background helps in high-point situations.

• Acceleration: Good; explosive first step for a 260lb man.

• Break Tackle: Elite. A nightmare to bring down in the open field; runs with power.

IQ (.20) — Grade: 90/100

• Awareness: High; former QB background helps him find voids in zone coverage.

NFL Scouting Report

• Strengths: Prototypical "NFL Body" with dual-threat ability; elite in-line blocking potential; heavy-handed at the point of attack; vertical threat speed for a 260lb player; high ceiling due to limited reps at the position.

• Weaknesses: Still raw in technical route running; target volume was low at both Louisville and Oregon; pad level can occasionally get high in pass protection.

• Scheme Fit: Ideal Traditional Y-Tight End in a Power-Run or Balanced offense (e.g., Lions, Browns, Ravens).

• NFL Comparison: Darnell Washington (Georgia/Steelers) / Mercedes Lewis.

Scout's Final Word

"Jamari Johnson is a developmental coach's dream. You don't find many players with his 6'5", 260lb frame who can also verticalize the field and catch with the natural grace of a former wide receiver. He is already a plus-blocker who will help an NFL run game on Day 1. While he isn't a 100-catch guy, he is a 'foundation piece' tight end. Draft Projection: Late Round 1 / Early Round 2."