Overnight success: Chad Johnson's emergence as one of the game's elite receivers wasn't really all that sudden. It was the result of a work ethic that drives him to study deep into the night and often to sleep at the Bengals' facility

Sporting News, The, Oct 4, 2004 by Dennis Dillon

Running routes. Has excellent quickness getting in and out of break points. Is very explosive. Can put his foot in the ground and change directions quickly.

Run-after-catch ability. It's good, but I don't think that's what makes him a special player Is a long strider who can eat up ground quickly. Has an excellent stiff-arm to get extra yards after the catch.

Blocking. Could be more physical but gives solid effort. When the play is away from him, you'll see him come across the field and push on a defender, trying to allow the ballcarrier to find a cutback lane.

Bottom line. Can really run and get on top of corners quickly. Of all the receivers in the league, he's in the top three in terms of being able to adjust his body and make excellent catches outside his frame.--D.D.