Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson  QB  Kansas State | NFL Draft 2026 Souting Report - Portrait Image
Avery Johnson
Height
6-2
Weight
192
College
Kansas State
Position
QB
Class
Sophomore
Home town
Wichita, KS
79.5/100
Player Rating
20
PositionRank (QB)
4.55
FortyYD Time
QB Rating
92.3
YDS
2712
Comp %
58.3
TDS
25
INTs
10
Rush AVG
5.4

Avery Johnson QB Kansas State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Avery Johnson QB Kansas State
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

PLAY STYLE: Dual Threat QB
Last Updated: 05/30/2025
Draft Year: 2026
40 time: 4.55 seconds (94%*)
Age: 20.7 DOB: 11/04/2004
Measurables:
Height: 6-2 (33%*) Weight: 192 (1%*)
Forty: 4.55 (O) (94%*)
0% 100%
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other (HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
PLAY STYLE: Dual Threat QB
Last Updated: 05/30/2025
Draft Year: 2026
40 time: 4.55 seconds (94%*)
Age: 20.7 DOB: 11/04/2004
Measurables:
0% 100%
Height: 6-2 (33%*) Weight: 192 (1%*)
Forty: 4.55 (O) (94%*)
(C) - NFL Combine (P) - Pro Day (O) - Other
(HS) -Estimated from High School Combine
For an explanation of how the (HS) data is calculated see this article
SHARE THIS PROFILE:
Overall Rating: 79.5 / 100
Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced
Defense Rating:
75%
Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects.
Release Speed:
77%
Short Passing:
73%
Medium Passing:
79%
Long Passing:
81%
Rush/Scramble:
81%
DRAFT PROJECTION: 7th
Overall Rank: #239 Position rank: #20
College Games: 20 College Snaps: 1027
Grade: 4 ESPN  Stars 4 ESPN  Stars ESPN RATING: 85/100
Grade: 247 Sports 4  Stars 247 Sports 95 Stars 247 RATING: 95/100
Grade: 4 Stars 4 Stars RIVALS RATING: 5.9 (97%)
Player Comparison* (Similarity level)
Max Duggan - TCU
84%
Brady Cook - Missouri
81%
Malik Cunningham - Louisville
79%
Draft Profile: Bio
Avery Johnson, the former Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year burst onto the scene as a true freshman, delivering a Pop-Tarts Bowl MVP performance that hinted at the fireworks to come. His sophomore season rewrote multiple program records while establishing him as one of college football's most dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks, yet Johnson finds himself conspicuously absent from most early 2026 draft discussions despite his statistical dominance.

The numbers from Johnson's breakout 2024 campaign demand attention in any legitimate evaluation. His 25 passing touchdowns shattered school records while his 605 rushing yards led the entire Big 12 conference, making him one of just five Power 4 quarterbacks to exceed 2,700 passing yards and 600 rushing yards. Johnson's ability to create explosive plays manifested in six completions of at least 50 yards, ranking second in the Big 12, including a game-winning 50-yard strike at Colorado that showcased his clutch instincts. His four fourth-quarter comeback victories tied a program record and demonstrated the intangible qualities that separate good quarterbacks from great ones.

What makes Johnson's current draft status particularly intriguing is the disconnect between his production and perception. While quarterbacks like Baylor's Sawyer Robertson and Arizona State's Sam Leavitt receive significantly more attention despite inferior statistical outputs, Johnson continues grinding in relative obscurity. His 320 offensive yards against Kansas and career-best 298 passing yards at West Virginia proved he can perform against quality competition, while his Rate Bowl performance - overcoming a 17-point deficit for the largest comeback in program bowl history - revealed the type of pressure-tested experience that typically elevates draft stock.
Scouting Report: Strengths
  • Explosive dual-threat ability with legitimate breakaway speed that forces defenses into impossible coverage compromises and constraint situations
  • Outstanding pocket mobility and awareness that allows him to extend plays while maintaining downfield vision, rarely taking unnecessary sacks
  • Clutch performer who elevates his game in critical moments, evidenced by multiple game-winning drives and comeback victories under pressure
  • Quick release mechanism with smooth delivery that generates impressive ball velocity, particularly effective on intermediate routes and RPO concepts
  • Natural leadership presence that earned team captain honors as a sophomore, bringing infectious competitive energy and accountability to the locker room
  • Exceptional rushing production with surprising power for his frame, consistently breaking tackles and finishing runs with violence between the tackles
  • Advanced pre-snap recognition skills and ability to manipulate coverage with eye discipline and subtle movement patterns in the pocket
  • Proven track record against quality competition with multiple 250+ yard passing performances in Big 12 play during his sophomore campaign
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
  • Severely undersized frame at just 192 pounds raises legitimate durability concerns and limits his ability to withstand consistent punishment from NFL pass rushers
  • Inconsistent accuracy on short and intermediate routes, particularly when throwing from compromised platforms or under immediate pressure from edge rushers
  • Tendency to abandon pocket progression too quickly in favor of scrambling, missing potential completions by not allowing routes to fully develop
  • Deep ball accuracy remains frustratingly inconsistent despite adequate arm strength, struggling with touch and anticipation on vertical concepts outside the numbers
  • Limited sample size against elite defensive talent that he'll face consistently at the professional level, raising questions about projection accuracy
Scouting Report: Summary
Johnson's short passing accuracy deficiencies represent a fundamental concern that could derail any professional aspirations, as NFL success increasingly demands precision on quick-game concepts that form the backbone of modern offenses. While his rushing ability creates occasional explosive moments, that same tendency to abandon the pocket prematurely prevents him from developing the timing and rhythm necessary for sustained success as a passer. His deep ball talent flashes on film, but inconsistent mechanics and anticipation issues suggest those highlights might be outliers rather than reliable indicators of future performance.

The durability questions surrounding his undersized frame become magnified when considering his running style, as quarterbacks who absorb consistent contact rarely maintain peak effectiveness throughout long seasons. His leadership qualities and clutch moments provide some optimism, yet those intangible traits often prove insufficient when fundamental passing skills lag behind professional standards. The gap between his college production and the technical precision required at the next level appears significant, particularly when factoring in the dramatic increase in defensive speed and scheme complexity he'll encounter.

Johnson's ceiling involves becoming a specialized backup who contributes in specific packages designed around his mobility, though even that role requires substantial improvement in pocket presence and decision-making. His athletic tools might generate occasional interest from coaching staffs seeking developmental projects, but the combination of size limitations, accuracy concerns, and inexperience against elite competition suggests a player whose college success may not translate to meaningful professional contribution. Organizations investing in Johnson must prepare for an extensive rebuilding process with no guarantee that his athletic traits can overcome the technical deficiencies that currently define his profile.

How other scouting services rate Avery Johnson (Overall Rank)

All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
282.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
18.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance. For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.

*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.