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WR Bryant Johnson, San Francisco 49ers

HT: 6-2, WT: 214, Born: 3-7-1981, College: Penn State, Drafted: Round 1, Pick 17

2008 Projections

Average draft position

Current as of June 28th. [Full ADP list]

Overall: A Crumpler (118), C Johnson (119), Bryant Johnson (120), J Kitna (122)
Position: D Hackett (115-WR44), R Williams (117-WR45), Bryant Johnson (120 - WR46), I Bruce (124-WR47), D Branch (129-WR48)
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 Click here to go to the Bryant Johnson spotlight, our staff's most detailed analysis.

Best Case

If San Francisco can find a reliable quarterback and Mike Martz has his offense running to the level of previous teams, then there will be plenty of fantasy points available in San Francisco. Bryant Johnson is in entering his prime and would be a key beneficiary. He's young enough to make a big impact and experienced enough to have learned from his mistakes. A new environment could be all he needs to become the receiver he was drafted to be by the Cardinals in 2003. Having a soon to be 36 year old as a fellow starter and unproven or average receivers as competition, it is possible that Johnson becomes the No. 1 target for the club by the end of the year.

Worst Case

Looking at the five-year stat profile of Bryant Johnson, he has shown little improvement, despite starting half the games he's played in. 40 odd catches, 500 yards and a few TDs every year since his rookie season of 2003 isn't going to help you win your league. The Mike Martz offense requires precise route running and this is one of his biggest weaknesses. While most are penciling in Johnson as the starter, he could easily end up as the No. 4 if he doesn't click quickly with the nuances of the offense.

Outlook

After years as the No. 3 in Arizona, Bryant Johnson attempts to emerge as a starter in his own right. Signing a 1 year contract for San Francisco when better offers were likely to be on the table could be seen as foolhardy or it could be seen as showing confidence in his own abilities. If he can win a starting job, he'll have a chance for very productive stats. With Isaac Bruce, Frank Gore and Vernon Davis figuring to be prominent however, Johnson could still be the fourth option at best in the passing game. If he struggles, guys like Arnaz Battle, Jason Hill and Ashley Lelie could usurp his role.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Johnson came in when the Cardinals went to three or four receiver sets. He was targeted three times, but also had a hard time getting open.

Week 2 - Johnson caught both balls thrown to him for first downs, both also in the first half. He doesn't appear to get any looks until third down, as either Boldin or Fitzgerald are the intended targets more often than not.

Week 3 - Johnson's looks almost exclusively came on medium and deep routes down the field. He struggled with some drops, and his only catch came from Warner on a short route that he took for 18 yards. Leinart targeted him once while Warner threw four balls his way.

Week 4 - Johnson played in place of the injured Anquan Boldin and hauled in three catches for 37 yards. He ran mainly deep routes in the four receiver Cardinal offensive scheme.

Week 5 - Johnson started the game for the injured WR Anquan Boldin and responded with a good game. He got the Cardinals first catch of the game on a slant for 17 yards. Johnson was a frequent target in the first half as the Rams doubled WR Larry Fitzgerald often. He finished the half with five catches for 70 yards in the first half. Johnson only had one catch for ten yards in the second half.

Week 6 - Johnson caught four balls for 29 yards, but suffered from the inconsistent play of the Cardinals quarterback.

Week 7 - With the Arizona Cardinals running many three and four receiver sets, Bryant Johnson saw plenty of playing time. He turned his four targets into three catches for 27 yards.

Week 9 - Johnson caught one of the four balls thrown his way for only 14 yards.

Week 10 - Johnson caught all four balls thrown his way for 40 yards. It was one of the more productive games for Johnson

Week 11 - Johnson caught just one pass for 13 yards.

Week 12 - Johnson finished the game with five receptions and 80 yards. He was targeted deep twice and hauled in a pass late in the fourth quarter on a over the shoulder grab down to the 49ers one yard line. Two plays later Rackers kicked the tying field goal to send the game into overtime.

Week 13 - Johnson became the de facto go to receiver for the Cardinals in the wake of Fitzgerald's and Boldin's injuries. Most of the pass plays were designed to go toward Johnson and he handled the pressure admirably. While not flashing break away speed, Johnson had success working the sides of the field, running out patterns and, occasionally, going over the middle. His touchdown catch was a nice one yard reception from Warner to the left side of the field, beating double coverage and coming down with the pass.

Week 14 - In a game where Johnson needed to come up big, he only had one catch for five yards, but it was for a touchdown. Johnson had two dropped passes in the game, and caught only one of the nine balls thrown his way.

Week 15 - Johnson had only two catches for 35 yards, but one came on a crucial third down and long situation to keep a Cardinals drive alive

Week 16 - Johnson had three catches for 46 yards, with a long reception of 19 yards. That reception came late in the game and allowed the Cardinals to continue their game tying drive.

Week 17 - Johnson had two catches for ten yards.