DTC Prospect Report: Kerryon Johnson, RB

Kerryon Johnson, RB – Auburn

6’0″ – 210 | JR

DOB: 6/30/1997 (20)

RB Rank: 9

Pass Game Strengths

• Pass protection is solid.
  • Strong hands/arms to keep blitzing defenders away.
  • Keeps shoulders square while sliding to different gaps in the pocket.
• Good hands: won’t drop passes out of the backfield.

Run Game Strengths

• Extremely patient runner. Does a great job of waiting for lanes to open.
• Can shake tackles with ease.
• Consistently runs through contact. Does not allow defenders to bring him down on first
• Pad level gets low at the point of contact, making it extremely difficult to be tackled.
• Jump cuts are efficient in evading defenders.
• Can become very skinny when hitting small running lanes.
• Above average burst through the hole.
• Has enough speed to out-run defenders at the second level.

Pass Game Weaknesses

• Feet are sluggish in pass protection. Struggles to shuffle them from side to side while picking up defenders coming through opposing gaps.
• Have not seen him run routes out of the backfield.

Run Game Weaknesses

• Overruns himself too often and loses balance.
• Big-time vision concerns.
  • Misses opportunities to cut back on outside zone/stretch plays.
• Extremely indecisive when running lanes do not open when he anticipates them to.
• Runs east and west too often.
  • Needs to become more comfortable with heading north more quickly.
• Occasionally takes false plant steps when hitting the running lane.
  • Extra steps are very inefficient and can cost himself valuable time and yards.

Rushing Stats

www.sports-reference.com

Receiving Stats

www.sports-reference.com

Summary

Kerryon Johnson possesses some solid NFL traits and has the desired size for the position, but he needs to develop and polish his game before he can be counted on to contribute at the next level consistently. He will likely begin his career backing up a polished NFL veteran and refining his game before eventually sliding into a starting gig. With the status of a true prospect and being two to three years away, Johnson is most definitely an interesting player with upside.

NFL Draft Prediction

Mid 5th Round

NFL Player Comparison

Arian Foster

Dynasty Lens

Because I do not expect him to contribute right away, Johnson will be on my radar beginning at the 3.01 of all rookie draft formats.

Bottom Line

Johnson’s intriguing size and skill set remind me of a former Houston Texans running back and will take some time to develop before possibly maximizing his potential and making a big splash in the NFL.