Name: David Johnson
College: Northern Iowa
Class: Senior - RS
Position: Running Back
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 229
Background/Character | Leadership: 9 | Experience: 10 | Off-the-Field: 10 |
| Mental Capacity: 9 | Mental Toughness: 9 | Durability: 9 |
Johnson was a four-year impact player at Northern Iowa, proving to be a fearsome playmaker with his ability to break big runs and being a primary receiver. Johnson was asked to be a bell cow back and he responded with excellent results. He seems to have avoided injuries in his time at NIU. There are no off-the-field reports to be found on Johnson. He is a quiet leader but an effective one at that.
Final Grade: 9.33
Athleticism | Balance: 8 | C.O.D: 7 | Explosiveness: 7 |
| Flexibility: 6 | Coordination: 8 | Body Type: 10 |
With his frame, it’s hard to be a svelte athlete in space. Johnson wins with his balance and power instead of an overly freaky body. He must break tackles to pull off big runs, but he is capable of doing just that. His hips are stiff as a result of his size. Excellent overall size that can endure a beating. Doesn't change directions or juke very well.
Final Grade: 7.66
Running Talent | Game Speed: 8 | Quickness: 7 | Acceleration: 6 |
| Leg Drive: 8 | Lateral Control: 6 | Stamina: 9 |
Has good speed for his size, but does not accelerate quickly. His feet are somewhat stuck in mud behind the line of scrimmage. Once he gets going downhill he flashes great power and leg drive. Open field running ability is good because he makes subtle movements. Able to carry the ball 20+ times and be a receiving threat. Good straight line speed once he gets going.
Final Grade: 7.33
Running Style | Vision: 8 | Patience: 7 | Anticipation: 8 |
| Elusiveness: 6 | Maneuverability: 6 | Fumbling: 8 |
Shows good vision as he begins to hit the running lane, but does not press the hole as well as others because of his stiffness. Will show the ability to cut back upfield effectively on occasion and get to the second level of the defense. Not overly elusive, instead preferring to break through contact. Fumbling was not a major issue.
Final Grade: 7.16
Non-Running | Football IQ: 9 | Blocking Technique: 9 | Pass Blocking: 9 |
| Experience: 10 | Hands: 8 | Routes: 8 |
Where Johnson excels is in the passing game. He is an excellent pass blocker for a prospect, showing toughness and solid technique. He is willing to put his nose in the chest of an edge rusher and can win with his strength. He is a good receiver that dominated higher level competition out of the backfield. He can step in immediately as a third down contributor.
Final Grade: 8.83
| Player Comparison: | Andre Williams |
| Projected Draft Position: | 4th Round |
| Best Scheme Fit: | West Coast |
| Injury History: | None |
| Career Accolades: | 1st team All- MVFC twice |
| Career Stats: | 866 carries, 4650 yards, 49 TDs, 141 receptions, 1734 yards, 12 TDs |
Final Analysis
One of the most productive backs in FCS history, Johnson is entering the NFL at a time where backs that can contribute in multiple fashions have great value. Where Johnson really shines is in the passing game. He shows good hands and great concentration as a receiver, and his statistics aptly demonstrate his ability to make a difference. J
ohnson is somewhat stiff with his enormous frame, and his feet sometimes come off as heavy. This has limited him when he faces a would-be tackler in the backfield. Once he gets going downfield, he is effective at creating and getting extra yards whenever possible. He cannot do much laterally, lacking the fluidity to change directions quickly.
But he did show good vision and patience when cutbacks were available. He competes hard and is willing to get his nose into the thick of the defense. Johnson projects as a backup with upside to contribute on short yardage and third downs.
Final Grade: 7.47 - 4th round value