Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Five options to replace Doug Martin in 2018 NFL Draft

Projection: Round 2
Age: 20 (6/30/1997)
Height & Weight: 6’0″ & 212 pounds
Season Statistics: 285 attempts, 1,391 yards, 18 touchdowns; 24 receptions, 194 yards, 2 touchdowns

We’re now getting into second-round territory, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers own the No. 38 overall selection. That could prevent Tampa Bay from selecting Georgia Bulldogs star Sony Michel, but there’s another SEC standout worth considering: Kerryon Johnson.

Johnson’s statistics may not have always jumped off the page in terms of yards per carry, but over the past year, he’s proven to be more than just an electric athlete.

Johnson’s combination of speed and agility make him an elusive runner who can hit the gap and escape tacklers in the open field. What he proved in games against the likes of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Georgia Bulldogs, however, is that he’s more than just an athlete.

Johnson has a toughness about him that intrigues scouts and general managers—a toughness that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should consider investing in.

Johnson can be the dynamic playmaker whom Tampa Bay needs at running back. He appears to be built for a postseason environment, as well, with the willingness to grind out runs and square up in one-on-one situations to gain extra yardage.

With three-down value as an explosive runner, capable pass-catcher, and respectable blocker, Johnson should be evaluated as a potential option in Round 2.