Roschon Johnson NFL Draft Overview
Position: Running Back
Height: 6’-2”
Weight: 223 Pounds
School: Texas
2023 NFL Draft Roschon Johnson Scouting Report
Collegiate Career
Many are unaware that this year’s top running back prospect Bijan Robinson is just one part of a dynamic duo. Roschon Johnson is the other half of this Texas duo who has served as the Robin to Robinson’s Batman. As a four-star dual-threat quarterback recruit coming out of high school, committing to Texas seemed to make it seem like the sky was the limit. After a slew of injuries combined with a lack of depth at the position, Johnson decided to change positions to running back. While many would crumble with this adversity, Johnson thrived.
Roschon Johnson could have decided to enter the transfer portal after being asked to change positions or being behind the top running back prospects in the nation as some argue since Adrian Peterson. Johnson displayed an extreme amount of maturity and perseverance, however deciding to do his absolute best at whatever role was asked of him ranging all the way from lead blocking, run blocking, and special teams. Whenever given the opportunity, Johnson seized it running with an impressive amount of physicality.
Efficient in Limited Touches
While Johnson’s style of running doesn’t generally garner a lot of highlight reel big chunk plays, it made him a staple for the Texas offense. The stats don’t jump off the page which may be concerning for some teams as well as he has maxed out at 123 carries in a season. Roschon Johnson has nearly 400 career carries in college, which is close to what some bell cow backs get in the NFL. Johnson has also never gone over 700 rushing yards in a season and has only received a handful of work in the passing game. Regardless of all this however Johnson has been rising up draft boards and recently found himself ranked as Chris Simms third-best running back in the draft. Not too shabby for a backup.
Strengths:
- Definition of reliable, only one career fumble;
- An absolute bruiser of a runner with above-average contact balance;
- Trusted and experienced as a pass blocker, lead blocker, and special teams player;
- Displays patience as a runner to let the play develop that is Le’Veon Bell-esque;
- A low-mileage running back who may have a longer shelf life than most in this draft class.
Weaknesses:
- Backup all of college, never a lead-back with a full workload
- Inexperience as a pass catcher which may limit his opportunities at the next level;
- 40-yard dash doesn’t exactly scream burner speed;
- A larger frame will make him a bigger target for defensive players, and can also lead to his pad level being a bit high at the point of contact;
- Johnson’s style of play as well as his slight injury history may lead to concerns about durability.
NFL Comparison: Josh Jacobs
Teams With A Need: Philadelphia Eagles, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
Projection: Third Round
Bottom Line:
In today’s NFL most running backs play through their rookie deal and then struggle to find a new contract that seems respectable. This in large part is because the shelf life of running backs is a lot shorter than it used to be, around this time running backs begin to decline severely. While he may have been sparsely used in college, Roschon Johnson will use this to his advantage in the NFL as he does not have as much tread on the tires. Teams that draft Johnson will get maturity at the position as well as a willingness to do whatever is asked of him. While at Texas he may have been Robin to Robinson’s Batman, but at the next level Johnson can prove that he can be a bell cow in his own right.
Main Photo: Mikala Compton/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
