David Johnson RB Northern Iowa #7
Wt: 224
40: 4.50
[level-scouting-reports]
Size/Athleticism: Impressive size. Decent athlete with experience at wide receiver. Not very explosive, but for a power runner he has decent speed and can break off some longer runs.
Vision: Vision is limited. Knows where the hole is supposed to be, but is slow to react when it closes. A one-cut runner who accomplishes very little once his initial lane closes.
Power: Has the size of a power back but doesn’t really embrace that role. Dances too much at the line of scrimmage, even in short-yardage situations. Needs to simply lower his head and play forward in short-yardage situations and take on defenders with his size and strength. Runs too high at times.
Speed/Agility: Long strider. Straight-line speed is adequate but takes time to build momentum. Does not have great change-of-direction ability. Fluid in his COD movements, but simply lacks the explosiveness to be effective. Makes too many unnecessary wiggle movements that don’t fool many college linebackers and will only slow him down in the NFL—needs to eliminate these and embrace his role as a power back.
Passing Game: High school wide receiver who looks very comfortable catching the ball. Extends his arm to pluck the ball. Secures it quickly and turns upfield. Can run some more complex routes than the typical running back and could potentially line up in the slot and be a viable option as a receiver. Capable in pass protection but inconsistent. More than just a chop blocker. Gets low and delivers a nice pop, showing his lower body strength to hold his ground against blitzing linebackers. Doesn’t always show great awareness.
Intangibles: Coaches speak highly of his work ethic. Worked had to transition from receiver to running back.
Durability: Stayed on the field but had over 1,000 touches in his career at NIU.
[/level-scouting-reports]
Overview: Johnson is limited as a runner due to his mediocre vision and limited athleticism. He has the size to be a power runner but has not embraced that role and does not break nearly as many tackles as expected for a runner his size. However, he is among the best receivers of the running backs in this class which greatly increases his value as a potential backup. With his receiving skills and potential to develop as a power runner, he could be an intriguing third-down back to keep defenses guessing.
