The Saints could have a new tight end on their roster.
While nothing is yet set, the team has talked about moving wide receiver Juwan Johnson to tight end, and he has been working out at the position in preparation for a potential switch.
The 6-foot-4, 231-pound Johnson heard from several teams during last year’s draft process who saw him as a tight end. The Saints initially saw him as a wide receiver and still like him at that spot, but his size and athletic profile do project well to tight end.
Johnson appeared in seven games last season and caught four passes for 39 yards. He also had several key blocks in the running game, displaying a willingness in that area required to play tight end.
If New Orleans proceeds with the move to tight end, Johnson could have a better opportunity to contribute. Adam Trautman and Nick Vannett project to be the top players at the position, with Garrett Griffin, Ethan Wolf and Dylan Soehner filling out the rest of the roster. Trautman has upside but is yet to distinguish himself, while the rest of the players on the roster have not made much impact in the passing game throughout their careers.
At wide receiver, Johnson would likely start camp as the fifth player on the depth chart behind Michael Thomas, Tre’Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway and Deonte Harris.
Johnson had a productive college career, with his best season coming in 2017 when he caught 54 passes for 701 yards with a touchdown at Penn State. During his final season, which he played at Oregon in 2019, he finished with 30 catches for 467 yards and four touchdowns.
The second-year player has spent a lot of time working out with Jameis Winston this offseason in Florida. Johnson has spent time running routes from a tight end position to acclimate himself with the position during those sessions.
