Duke Johnson NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Browns' Round 3 Pick

STRENGTHS

The all-time rushing leader at the University of Miami, Duke Johnson accomplished much in his three years. A scatback early in his career, Johnson added bulk and transformed himself into a three-down back with power, balance and vision. He has the burst to make plays off the snap. He quickly gets upfield and has the second gear to run away from defenses. He’s a twitchy, light-footed player who can shake tacklers at the line of scrimmage and has the hips to both cut and juke in the open field.

Johnson has great balance and can execute a jump cut and then explode down field for big gains. He’s an ideal one-cut runner with huge potential in a zone-blocking scheme. He can produce as a downhill runner, too, and brings value as a receiver and return man. Despite being a speed back, he can break tackles in the open field.

WEAKNESSES

Johnson will be a scheme-specific runner, as he doesn’t offer inside running skills. His vision between the tackles is just average, and he has a habit of staring down cutback lanes. As a pass protector, he’s not giving you much right away and mistimes cut blocks. Johnson has been banged up over the last two seasons and has to convince that his frame can hold up to NFL punishment.

PRO COMPARISON: LeSean McCoy, Buffalo Bills

A shifty, agile back with good hands and great balance, Johnson has the same skill set as LeSean McCoy, but don’t expect that type of production. That’s a best-case scenario.

2014 STATISTICS

Rushing Attempts       Rushing Yards           Touchdowns
242                                      1,652                             10

FINAL GRADE: 6.49/9.00 (Rookie Starter)