Duke Johnson to Browns: Twitter Reacts as RB Is Selected in 2015 NFL Draft

Miami Hurricanes star Duke Johnson is considered one of the most talented running backs available in the 2015 NFL draft class. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller ranks him as the third-best running back behind only Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon and sees him as an impact rookie and a potential future starter. He was selected by the Cleveland Browns in Round 3.

Continue for updates on Johnson’s draft status.

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Duke Johnson Selected No. 77 Overall by Browns

Friday, May 1

The Browns announced their selection:

Michael Fabiano of NFL.com weighed in following the selection from a fantasy perspective, while ESPN's Adam Caplan projected Johnson's role with the team:

The Miami football program boasts an illustrious history, but no Hurricanes running back ever finished with more career rushing yards than Johnson. Johnson’s 3,519 rushing yards surpassed the statistical efforts of Frank Gore, Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis and Willis McGahee, among others.

Johnson picks up his yardage with a burst in space and the ability to slice through open holes with elusive cuts. He is strong enough to push through arm tackles, but his best assets are his vision and speed in open space, which lead to impact plays.

However, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora isn't sure selecting a running back was the best choice for the Browns:

There are some questions about his size, at 5’8” and 206 pounds, but he addressed that issue, per Ross Jones of Fox Sports: "Durability questions come down to my size. People wonder if I'll be able to hold up against the bigger guys for 16 weeks, plus playoffs. I broke my ankle once in college; that required me to miss six games in my sophomore season. Outside of the broken ankle, I've never been hurt."

While there are some concerns about his size and durability, his versatility and ability to impact the game in a number of ways will help him contribute right away at the NFL level. He caught 38 passes for 421 yards and three touchdowns as a junior and scored twice as a special teams returner as a sophomore.

Look for him to find the end zone on the ground, through the air and on special teams during his NFL career.