Dillon Johnson 2024 NFL Draft Overview
Height: Six-foot
Weight: 217 pounds
Position: Running back
School: Washington
2024 NFL Draft: Dillon Johnson Scouting Report
As a three-star prospect out of Greenville, Mississippi, Dillon Johnson stayed home and attended Mississippi State. He had an opportunity to make an immediate impact in his true freshman season in 2020. On the ground, Johnson ran the ball 51 times for 225 yards and scored four touchdowns. In a show of foreshadowing, he hauled in 36 passes for 157 yards.
As a sophomore, Johnson took a step forward. He ran the ball 89 times for a total of 485 yards and four touchdowns. Johnson ended up third on the team with 65 receptions, 422 yards, and a touchdown. The Bulldogs truly made sure their running backs were multi-faceted as the leading rusher ahead of Johnson was also the second-leading receiver.
In his final year in Starkville, it was more of the same, albeit a bit more efficient. In 11 games (as compared to 13 in 2021), Johnson ran for 488 yards and three touchdowns off of 89 attempts. He wasn’t nearly as utilized in the passing game as he only amassed 285 yards and no touchdowns off of 48 receptions. Before his senior season, Johnson and then-coach Mike Leach had a falling out and the dual-threat running back jumped into the transfer portal.
Johnson landed with the Washington Huskies. Heading into the 2023 season, Johnson had a total of 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns off of 229 rushes. With Washington in 2023 alone, Johnson ran the ball 233 times for 1,195 yards and scored 16 times. He ended up earning Second-Team All-Pac-12 honors.
Johnson actually injured himself in the Pac-12 Championship win over Oregon. He reinjured it in the CFP Semifinal against Texas in the Sugar Bowl. Then, in the CFP National Championship, he, again, reaggravated the injury on the first play from scrimmage. In a longer-than-usual process at the Scouting Combine, Johnson was cleared and participated in drills.
Strengths
- Impressive toughness, showed he’s willing to play through pain
- Physical, downhill runner
- A legitimate dual-threat can hurt via the run game and as a receiver
- Great vision, can find running lanes even if it looks congested
- Scheme versatile, can do well inside and outside
- Won’t be brought down by arm tackles, always fights for extra yardage
Dillon Johnson CRUSHED some Ranked Teams in 2023:
📍159 Yards, 2 TD's Vs. Oregon (5th)
📍132 Yards, 1 TD Vs. Utah (18th)
📍267 Yards, 4 TD's Vs. USC (20th)
📍110 Yards, 1 TD Vs. Oregon (8th)Here are some boxes that Johnson checks:
➖Size: 6'0, 218 lbs
➖Production: 1,385… pic.twitter.com/iF2pEw3eMU— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 27, 2024
Weaknesses
- Ran 4.62 at the Scouting Combine
- Invites contact, could result in further injuries
- Will need to develop pass blocking technique
- Not going to make a defender miss in space
- Doesn’t have much of a burst when needing to hit a second gear.
NFL Player Comparison: Jeremy Hill with better hands
Projection: Sixth Round
Best Fits: Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs
Bottom Line on Dillon Johnson
There is a role in the NFL for Dillon Johnson. While he is not the type of speed back that will blow by defenses (though he has some incredible tape against USC), Johnson will run through defenders and get every last yard.
Despite his lack of speed, Johnson is a serious receiving threat out of the backfield. He can catch the ball at various spots on the field and can make the plays to keep an offense on script. As a runner, Johnson is more than willing to run through a defender, he doesn’t take the time to shake and bake his way downfield.
The thing that will make Johnson desirable and successful is that gritty style. At the same time, it could be his downfall. Johnson does not shy away from contact despite having to play through injury. He should be fully healthy by fall but it goes to show that he will not let an injury slow him down. In the NFL, availability is crucial and Johnson, while not likely to be an RB1, could be a stop-gap in case of injury.
Don’t try to half-heartedly tackle him. You’ll get put on his highlight tape.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
