Running Back – Texas

6'2, 223 lbs

Strengths

One of the more underrated running backs in this 2023 rookie class is Roschon Johnson, out of Texas. Watching him play, he seems to run through wide-open holes on nearly every play. This is not a slight to him but more a testament to his excellent vision.

Another strength is that he presses the line of scrimmage while staying square while waiting for the play to develop. He then has the short-area burst to explode through the hole. Additionally, he has the lateral agility to slide across the line of scrimmage to the open hole. His burst and lateral agility should be on full display at the upcoming NFL Combine, which could boost his draft stock a bit.

Overall, he has workhorse size, with the ability to hold up to contact over many touches, even if he wasn't pushed to do so in college. His pass protection is great which should yield early on-field touches immediately in the NFL.

Weaknesses

As a taller running back, Johnson does run with a high pad level. This affects the resistance he has to direct contact, as well as churning out additional yards through the middle. Furthermore, he is more of a straight-line runner who doesn't show a dearth of creativity in agility and moves to create when nothing is there.

NFL Fit and Draft Capital

Johnson has spent the past three seasons in Bijan Robinson's shadow. While all of the hype will be on Robinson, and rightfully so, one positive for Johnson is the limited touches (488) for wear and tear purposes.

He's a converted quarterback which can leave wildcat packages as a way to get him onto the field early. Special teams will also be a factor in his staying on a team early. He should be an early to middle Day 3 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

As for your dynasty rookie drafts, Johnson should come off the board in the third round or so. That tends to happen with these players who may need time to find a role. That being said, as he did in college, he's shown he's fully capable of filling in for the starter in a pinch. His ceiling is an RB2 but one that doesn't necessarily get a lot of the carries.

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