The marquee Week Zero matchup in college football features Kansas State against Iowa State, two programs projected by The Athletic to finish in the top five of the Big 12. It also showcases a pair of highly regarded quarterbacks: Iowa State’s Rocco Becht and Kansas State’s Avery Johnson, the higher-rated of the two on my draft board.
Johnson enters the season with a high fourth-round grade thanks to his exceptional athleticism, which makes him one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft class. Last year, his mobility translated into 605 rushing yards, with the quickness to create explosive plays both on designed runs and when escaping the pocket. His elusiveness in the open field was equally impressive, forcing 22 missed tackles according to Pro Football Focus.
Avery Johnson is an elite athlete
That athleticism does not just make him a rushing threat, it also elevates his passing game. Johnson topped 200 passing yards in seven contests last season, highlighted by a 298-yard, three-touchdown outing against West Virginia and a 220-yard, three-touchdown performance against Iowa State. He is at his best operating in sprint-out concepts, where his mobility stresses defenses and creates easy throwing lanes.
That spin move to get out of trouble! 😮💨 @KStateFB
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 20, 2024
Avery Johnson is putting on a show tonight! pic.twitter.com/9NZQUPq5S0
Still, there are notable areas for improvement. Johnson completed just 58 percent of his passes last year, largely due to inconsistent footwork. He often shows “happy feet” in the pocket and bails too quickly even when protection holds up. He also has a tendency to hold the ball too long, which disrupts timing and rhythm. Cleaning up these issues will be critical if he wants to develop into a reliable pocket passer.
Johnson’s NFL projection hinges on that growth. If he sharpens his mechanics and decision-making, he has the upside to rise into Day 2 of the 2026 Draft. A potential landing spot that makes a lot of sense is the Dallas Cowboys. With Dak Prescott turning 33 next season, Dallas needs a developmental quarterback, and Johnson’s tools could be maximized in their system, especially if he is available in the fourth round.