DC Defenders XFL Draft Recap | Wide Receivers CJ Johnson
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DC Defenders 2023 Rookie Draft Breakdown | Wide Receivers

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This past Friday all eight XFL teams participated in the 2023 XFL Rookie Draft, which included all players that declared for the 2023 NFL Draft and were not drafted or signed for camp. 

The DC Defenders, who finished 9-1 their first year under HC Reggie Barlow, selected 10 players in this year’s draft. On paper, they did a good job at replacing players lost to the NFL, drafting 3 WRs, 3 OL, 2 LBs, 1 DB, and a punter. So far, five Defenders players have signed NFL contracts: WR Lucky Jackson (MIN), WR Chris Blair (ATL), WR Brandon Smith (ARZ), LB Ferrod Gardner (WSH), and P Daniel Whelan (GB). 

Throughout the process, the message has been clear from Defenders Director of Player Personnel, Von Hutchins:

WR CJ Johnson, ECU

North Carolina native, CJ Johnson, attended East Carolina University through all four years of college, becoming one of the natural leaders on the Pirates offense. Through those four years, Johnson started 38 of 46 games, hauling in 175 catches for 2,849 yards (16.3 YPR), and 21 career touchdowns. In 2022, Johnson was named Second-Team All AAC selection after setting career-highs in receptions (67), receiving yards (1,016), touchdowns (10), and receptions per game (5.2).

The QB that Johnson played with the majority of time at ECU, Holton Ahlers, also played with CJ in high school at DH Conley HS in Greenville, NC. The two built a nearly unstoppable rapport at East Carolina, each finishing it off with career years in 2022. Both signed UDFA deals with the Seattle Seahawks following the NFL Draft, but Johnson was released shortly after rookie camp. 

Johnson played outside receiver his first two seasons at ECU, then started transitioning to slot part time in his junior year before becoming a full time slot receiver his senior season. 

Johnson’s 6 ‘2, 225-pound frame compares well to DC’s recently departed WR Brandon Smith, who shined in multiple roles for the Defenders this past season, including the slot. 

WR Trea Shropshire, UAB

Trea Shropshire is a lean, lengthy JUCO product hailing from Zachary, LA. Shropshire scales in at 6 ‘3, 179 pounds and uses his unique frame to his advantage when one-on-one against defensive backs. 

In 2021, Shropshire showed why he was one of the most explosive players in college football as he nearly led the nation in yards per reception (22.5).

Shropshire was able to put his ability on full display for scouts in the 2023 Hula Bowl, where he had the biggest play of a low scoring game with a 75 yard touchdown reception. 

Shropshire’s lean build is strangely similar to Lucky Jackson’s, and while Shropshire 40 yard dash time may not compare to Jackson’s, his in-game speed tells a different story.

 

Shropshire has a decision to make, as he was also drafted by the Memphis Showboats during the USFL Draft in February. 

See also

WR Ty Scott, Missouri State

Ty Scott is another long wideout drafted by DC that thrives in the intermediate to deep pass-game attack. Measuring in at 6 ‘3, 200 pounds, Scott was used primarily outside in college and excelled as a receiver after the catch.

Scott caught 114 passes for 1,784 yards and 13 touchdowns in his 23 games with the Bears. While Scott was mainly an outside receiver, MSU did not limit his abilities in the slightest as he was undeniably the top playmaker in the Bears offense the past two seasons. 

Ty Scott signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an UDFA following the NFL Draft, but was waived shortly after. 

Final Thoughts

Fans have now seen the results of DC Defenders OC Fred Kaiss’ successful offensive scheme, which has clearly been beneficial for wide receivers. Kaiss tends to shuffle his receivers around the line of scrimmage, so take player’s alignment experience with a grain of salt. 

With the current state of the wide receiver room, expect to see at least one of these guys vying for a starting position come week one. While it is unclear whether any players would return to XFL if the NFL does not pan out, the Defenders staff/organization is taking preliminary action with these draft picks to assure their top scoring offense does not skip a beat in 2024.

What are your thoughts on the DC Defenders Rookie Draft? Which players would you like to see DC target in the offseason? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!