Darren Waller vs Theo Johnson
Two tight ends fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Clear edge · 68% confident
Theo Johnson- Experts agree: consensus rank 287 vs 302
- More opportunity: 87% snap share, 13 red-zone touches
- Better positional rank: TE18 vs TE32
Darren Waller carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Darren Waller and Theo Johnson are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Theo Johnson holds the edge in expert consensus (TE34 to TE38). The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Darren Waller at 123 PPR points (7.2 per game) versus Theo Johnson at 77.
Last season Theo Johnson carried the heavier workload (87% snap share, 74 touches to Darren Waller's 35), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Theo Johnson is the younger option (age 25), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Theo Johnson is the solid pick on stronger expert consensus, the bigger workload and more room to grow. Darren Waller carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Waller | Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 123 | 77 |
| Points / game | 9.9 | 8.5 |
| Games played | 9 | 15 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #302 | #287 |
| ADP | - | 232 |
| Positional rank | TE32 | TE18 |
| Snap share | 45% | 87% |
| Red-zone touches | 7 | 13 |
| Age | 33 | 25 |
| Bye week | 5 | 8 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Darren Waller or Theo Johnson.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Darren Waller or Theo Johnson in 2026?
Theo Johnson is a solid pick over Darren Waller for 2026, on stronger expert consensus, the bigger workload and more room to grow. Darren Waller carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, Darren Waller or Theo Johnson?
Darren Waller carries the higher 2026 projection at 123 PPR points (7.2 per game), compared with 77 for Theo Johnson.
Who is ranked higher, Darren Waller or Theo Johnson?
Expert consensus ranks Theo Johnson (TE34) ahead of Darren Waller (TE38) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.