Duke Johnson is JKSN's top ranked RB in the 2015 NFL draft class. While we understand it is an unpopular opinion, it is one that we strongly stick by.
Johnson is a quick, fast, and shifty runner. He has a great vision and is able to find even the tiniest of holes to run through. He can fit through these holes because he is only 5'9" 209 lbs. While this leads many to wonder if Duke can handle a full-time NFL load, we believe that he will be able to succeed no matter what his role is in the NFL. His best fit would be in an offense in which he does not have to be a three-down power-runner, but those are rare to find anyway. Durability may be a question, but we are not concerned about it with Duke.
Another question many have is how well Johnson can pass-block. We believe that he will become a better pass-blocker once he reaches the NFL, much like many others. Pass-protection is something almost every NFL RB has had to work on during their careers.
Johnson has great acceleration and makes sharp, decisive, and crisp cuts. Some of his runs really are a thing of beauty.
Aside from his running ability, Johnson is a pretty good route runner with some nice hands for a RB. This element of his game makes him more versatile than others in this draft class.
Projection: Round 2
Grade: Round 1
NFL: Top 10 talent