2015 NFL Draft: Duke Johnson Scouting Report
The 2015 NFL Draft is loaded at the running back position. One of the top prospects at that position is Miami’s Duke Johnson. He’s one of the most electric players in the draft and we highlight what makes him a special player below.
STRENGTHS
Duke Johnson is only 5’9″, but like fellow running back prospect Ameer Abdullah he packs a lot of weight on his frame. Johnson is 206 pounds and carries his weight very well for a player of his height.
The first aspect of Duke Johnson’s game that leaps off the screen is his elusiveness. He’s extremely quick and plays defender pursuit angles as well as any back in this draft. Johnson is constantly looking for openings in the defense and exploits them extremely well.
Johnson is very adept at weaving his way through a defense without losing much acceleration. Once Johnson finds himself free of clutter and other defenders, he has the ability to explode into the open field, where he was very good top end speed.
Duke Johnson is an advanced pass catcher out of the backfield, and shows the ability to run other routes as well. Once he catches the ball, the traits mentioned above really shine as he’s usually already in space due to play design.
Even though Johnson isn’t the biggest back, he still plays with toughness and flashes and element of power to his game. While power isn’t (and will never be) his bread and butter, it’s refreshing to see him finish runs with a sense of violence from time to time.
Johnson is also a willing pass protector even though its not one of his primary strengths.
WEAKNESSES
Duke Johnson has a some durability concerns. He suffered a broken ankle in 2013 and aggravated the injury again in the bowl game against South Carolina.
Besides these injury concerns, Duke Johnson doesn’t have too many other weaknesses. He lacks height, but that’s not the most important trait for a running back. He won’t be asked to carry to load at the next level which should alleviate some of his durability concerns.
DRAFT STOCK
Duke Johnson looks like a solid second round choice. With a strong combine he’ll have a slight chance to sneak into the end of the first round.
PLAYER COMPARISON
Warrick Dunn, Retired