That allows him to win jump balls despite his height. It also makes him useful on comebacks, hitches and some of the drags and over routes he ran for the Hilltoppers.
The last element that works in Johnson's favor in term of his route running is his ability to read zone coverages. He was a reliable target for sophomore quarterback Caden Veltcamp, who didn't look bad in his own right.
Johnson has also been effective after the catch for many of the aforementioned reasons. He's not overly fast, but his initial explosion, quickness and strength allow him to create yardage after the catch. Will that element translate to the NFL? That remains to be seen.
What has been noticeable while Johnson has been participating in the unpadded practices is his ability to run routes that keep drives going. He's been effective on comebacks and stop routes. Despite not being a particularly frightening vertical threat, he's been convincing enough to create space. He also uses his strength to avoid getting pinned to the sideline. That gives the quarterback space to throw the ball with him making a play on the sideline.
With accurate passers like Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, that has resulted in a few nice connections. In fact, Johnson was able to get the defender completely turned around, so he wasn't even touched before then turning up field to get into the end zone.
As with any of these players trying to crack the lineup, beating up on threes and fours won't be enough. Players like Johnson are going to have to prove it against the ones and twos. And in pads. That could be where Johnson could make his move up the depth chart.
Can he overpower Denzel Ward? Can he separate from Martin Emerson? If Johnson is able to confidently prove he can, he'll easily make the roster. Short of that, he could find himself in a heated battle both between other receivers currently on the roster as well as those who aren't. His best shot in that scenario might be the practice squad.
Since Kevin Stefanski has been the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, they've collected a number of 200+ pound receivers. Useful for blocking and helping them play a brand of power football. Kisean Johnson could fit. But on a roster where they already have Cedric Tillman, David Njoku and fellow rookie Harold Fannin Jr., the Browns just need guys who can make plays. Johnson has his shot.