2018 NFL Draft: Kerryon Johnson is draft’s most physical running back

The NFL continues to evolve, but a physical grinder like Kerryon Johnson will always have a home somewhere. Where will he fall in the 2018 NFL Draft?

He might not look it, but Kerryon Johnson runs like the physical backs of yesteryear. In an age where versatility reigns, the former Auburn pounder has carved out an elite skill set as one of the premier grinders in the SEC. Once named Alabama’s Mr. Football, Johnson runs with power and physicality that seem well beyond his 6-foot, 212 pound frame.

In three seasons Johnson carried the ball 519 times at Auburn for 2,494 yards and a 32 touchdowns. The majority of that came in his final season, taking over the lead back role from Kamryn Pettway and running wild over the rest of the SEC. Johnson tallied eight 100 yard games in 2017, one each against Georgia and Alabama. He ran with the best in college, but how will his skill set translate to the NFL?

Strengths

There is no fear in the power running of Kerryon Johnson. Rather than look for an escape route, Johnson bulldozes defenders with a fearlessness that is uncommon in backs his size. He uses his speed and acceleration to break through arm tackles and create space on the second level.

Beyond just strength, Johnson also possess the acceleration to turn a short punch into a massive gain. Always looking down field, Johnson doesn’t give up on plays. He turns three-yard gains into six-yard gains and six-yard gains into first downs. He’s also an extremely adept pass catcher out of the back field. Once he gets into space he’s extremely difficult to bring down.

Weaknesses

Johnson runs like he’s 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds, but he’s not. His stiff, forceful running have already given way to injuries, which plagued his final season at Auburn. His toughness is unmistakable, but he takes way too many hits that could have been avoided. Durability is a major question mark.

More often than not Johnson runs with impatience. Rather than wait for his hole to develop he makes his own, trusting his own strength rather than the scheme and blocking in front of him. That has hindered his development when it comes to making appropriate reads and decisive cuts in the backfield.

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Draft expectations

Johnson runs like a less developed version of Le’Veon Bell. More than just a typical ground and pound back, the upside and potential of Johnson are extremely intriguing. He’d fit will in an offense that already has a few ancillary options in the backfield to pair with him to keep him fresh and effective.

Projections: Round 3, Pick No. 76 overall to the Green Bay Packers