In the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected Duke Johnson. As a running back from the University of Miami, Johnson was a phenom. Due to his remarkable speed and shiftiness, scouts saw Johnson as a rare good pick by Browns management. And he played like a great pick during the 2015 season.
A complete back with great hands and carrying vision, Johnson had a relatively good rookie year for a third-round pick. With 913 yards of total offense in 2015, Johnson looked promising. As a result of the hiring of Hue Jackson, Browns fans got their hopes up for Johnson’s sophomore campaign in 2016. But then, something odd happened. Johnson simply did not produce in 2016 like he did in his rookie year, but Browns fans should expect him to rebound in 2017.
Duke Johnson Will Bounce Back in 2017
Physical Ability
To put it simply, Johnson is just too good of an athlete to stay quiet for long. A thick frame of 5’9, 210 will guard him against serious injuries throughout his career. Because of this, he should be fresh for the 2017 season. Additionally, his lack of usage in 2016 will also help him stay ready for this coming season.
As a running back, injuries are common. However, Johnson seems to be able to keep himself healthy for Cleveland. Furthermore, his ability to evade defenders is second to none and will definitely keep him out of harm’s way. Johnson can develop into a freak athlete because of his physical ability and skill set as a receiving back.
Versatility
Duke Johnson has incredible ability to get by defenders and run between the tackles. Johnson can be a physical back, although he may not look the part, and can also be a dynamic receiver out of the backfield. Like most scouts predicted, he is the complete package for the Browns, with all the physical skills that the offense needs, and all the talent that fans want.
Johnson has great catching hands and footwork, he can break and evade tackles, and he has terrific football vision. Johnson knows the playbook in Cleveland and is willing to do whatever Jackson asks him to. If the Browns use him right, he can become a headache for defensive coordinators. But therein lies the problem; this coaching staff just cannot figure out how to use him.
Usage
Browns head coach Hue Jackson is an offensive genius. His “bag of tricks” is extensive, and he knows how to maximize his roster’s potential. So, why can he not figure out Duke Johnson? It turns out that Johnson is just too much of a good thing. Johnson can do it all, but right now, he is doing nothing at all. Jackson is not using him correctly, to no fault of his own.
Johnson is the complete package, and therefore has no real place on the roster. Is he a running back? Is he a wide receiver? It seems like not even his own head coach knows. Johnson is a hybrid of a running back and a wide receiver. With his frame, he might even warrant some time at fullback (if those existed in today’s NFL). The versatility of Jackson’s offense fits Johnson perfectly, they just have to find a way to work him in.
What Does the Future Hold?
If Jackson can find a way to use Johnson correctly, the third-year man will blossom into a star. Johnson can become a wild card to re-energize the anemic Browns offense. Additionally, defensive coordinators will be sleepless trying to game-plan for him.
Johnson is a perfect foil to running back Isaiah Crowell in the best way possible. Crowell is a very “put your head down and run” style of player. Conversely, Johnson has great speed and is astoundingly cerebral. Fortunately for the Browns, the two can work in perfect harmony. If Duke Johnson can be utilized correctly, opposing defenses will be anything but harmonious.
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