Kerryon Johnson should be one of the Redskin’s top RB options going into the second round

Kerryon Johnson, RB
School: Auburn | Conference: SEC
College Experience: Junior | Age: 20
Height / Weight: 6-0 / 212 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 2nd Round
NFL Comparison: Wayne Gallman

College Statistics

Player Overview

Auburn has had impressive production from their running backs over the past few years. In 2015, Peyton Barber (now with Tampa Bay) stepped up and carried the rock after injuries paved the way for him. In 2016, Kamryn Pettway had a breakout season going for over 1200 yards (Johnson had almost 900 yards himself that year). In 2017, Johnson took over running duties after Pettway was suspended from the opener and suffered an injury during the season. Johnson is the most talented running back Auburn has had in years. Johnson runs with speed, power, patience, toughness, and determination. He waits for his blocks and exploits gaps. He runs low and through defenders. He can cut and change direction and runs with great balance. He isn't a slouch as a receiver or in pass protection either. In a draft with at least 4 legit 3rd down backs set to go in the first two rounds, Johnson is going to offer a great value to the team who gets him in the second round. I really hope its the Redskins.

Strengths

• Great size, speed, and athleticism. Well built and while he won't hit many home runs in the NFL he has enough speed and athleticism to break significant chunk plays.
• Patient behind the LOS and will let his blocks develop. Paced and methodical. Once he sees the gap he gets low and bursts through. Deceptive acceleration and elusiveness.
• Physical back that likes to hit and drag defenders and finish off runs.
• Can catch out of the backfield and ripped off a few big plays on tape off screens.
• Shows effort and good awareness as a pass protector.

Weaknesses

• Vision at times is hit or miss. On certain plays, he sifts through everything and makes good decisions. On others, he can miss a hole right in front of him.
• No elite speed or third gear.

Let’s see his work:

More Kerryon Johnson videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

One of the areas the Redskins must improve up if they are going to compete this upcoming season is the rushing game. The Redskins have been without a true rushing threat since Alfred Morris left two seasons ago. The Redskins will have plenty of chances in round one or two of this draft to select a player fully capable of being a franchise running back. Fortunately, the team can afford to wait to the second round to grab a top second-tier rusher like Johnson. Johnson is a dynamic back in his own way. His running style is measured and calculated but he also likes to bang around and can slash. In a power rushing scheme, I think he has the durability to last, the wheels to present a serious threat, the hands and pass pro to stick around on third down if need be and the power to grind out the tough yards. The major flaw I saw in Johnson’s game was his at times fickle vision. It didn’t happen often but when it did it more than likely cost him yards. If Johnson can get that quality to be more consistent watch out he will be one of the best values in the draft.