2018 NFL Draft: Kerryon Johnson Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Auburn’s Kerryon Johnson 2018 NFL Draft running back prospect who has flashed some major upside.
Kerryon Johnson is a bigger 2018 NFL Draft running back prospects in terms of both height and bulk. He uses his size to push the pile and work between the tackles. However, Johnson also features some quickness that helps him produce big plays.
This is a very patient runner who waits for his blocks to develop. He does a good job approaching the line of scrimmage and utilizing a jump cut to find space. Johnson is committed to running behind his pads which helps him break tackles.
Despite his size, Johnson isn’t an overly powerful runner. He is capable of pushing the pile some and breaking tackles, but isn’t a punishing back. This isn’t someone who will run over tacklers and turn limited running room into a big gain.
More from With the First Pick
- 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
- 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
- Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
- 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
- 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023
His ability to pick up big chunks of yardage are due to his patience and jump cut. However, there are occasions where his patience hurts his effectiveness.
One of his bigger performances of the year came against Ole Miss where he really ran with a purpose. He didn’t hesitate and was attacking the line of scrimmage. This game showed that he could be very effective as a downhill runner.
The key for Johnson will be to find the balance between running with patience and attacking.
Johnson shouldn’t be considered a major threat in the passing game. However, he does have reliable hands and can work in the screen game. His pass protection skills are lacking and an area that could keep him off the field.
He needs to be more aggressive and show some toughness when taking on the pass rush. His size should allow him to anchor and hold at the point of attack.
Overall, Johnson flashes the upside to be a productive NFL running back. The problem is that his style of running doesn’t really fit his body type. Johnson needs to embrace his size and be a more physical runner.
He just doesn’t have the top-end speed or elusiveness to approach with so much patience.