Possible Patriot Target in the 2015 NFL Draft – David Johnson, RB Northern Iowa
 David Johnson is a three-down RB and could be a nice addition to the Patriots offense via the 2015 NFL Draft. (USA TODAY Images) |
As the 2015 NFL Draft draws closer we’ll profile some of the players that may be on the Patriots radar. Some of these players have already been linked to New England as possible targets others, we feel would be a great fit.
Check out our earlier 2015 NFL Draft profiles on PatsFans.com:
DE/OLB Nate Orchard from Utah
WR Tyrell Williams from Western Oregon
DT Jordan Phillips from Oklahoma
DT Carl Davis from Iowa
The Patriots may still target a running back in the 2015 NFL Draft, although they have LaGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, Brandon Bolden, James White, Tyler Gaffney and Dion Lewis on the roster. A big loss was the signing of Shane Vereen by the New York Giants. Vereen was the team’s pass catching third down option and will be missed.The team recently brought in pass catching Travaris Cadet from the New Orleans Saints. Stevan Ridley is a free agent and may not return as well.
But in the middle rounds of the draft, they could still add a quality running back and not only help ease the loss of Vereen on passing downs but add some good production with carrying the ball as well.
David Johnson from Northern Iowa would be a perfect fit for the Patriots offense. Johnson, bigger than most pass catching running backs at 6’1, 224, turned in a very nice performance at the Senior Bowl and followed it up with a solid showing at the NFL Combine, logging in a 4.50 time in the 40, a 41.5 leap in the vertical as well as a 6.82 time in the three-cone drill.
Johnson has the build of a linebacker and can run with power as well as catch the ball out of the backfield. He ran for a school record three straight 1000 yard seasons as well as catching 141 passes.
With his pass catching ability and size, he has the versatility to line up as an H-back as well at the next level. As we all know, Bill Belichick loves versatile players. In fact Johnson embraced the concept of playing there. When interviewed by NFLDraftScout.com he said, "I would be open to anything to get me on the field," he said.
"If they want me to play a different position, I'd be more than happy. I just want to get on the field and help the offense to be efficient. I do want to play running back, but if the coach wants me in the slot or at H-back, I'll do it."
Johnson is a tough runner to bring down with his powerful stride and hits the line with decisiveness. But his best ability is catching the ball out of the backfield. He has great, soft hands, vision and a smooth transition into a runner after the catch.
Pros:
- Perfect size and build for running between the tackles, stout, tough to bring down
- Great hands and vision for catching the ball out of the backfield
- Versatile, can be a three-down back or slide over to H-back
Cons
- Has good but not breakaway speed, isn’t very elusive
- Runs upright at times, a common trait among taller backs.
Where Can the Patriots get him: Johnson made a big splash at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine but in a deep class of running backs, he should still be available for the Patriots in the 3rd round of the draft.
Johnson would be a nice addition to the Patriots offense, he’s stout enough to carry the ball inside or outside, has nice hands and ability to be a mismatch in the passing game out of the backfield and is big enough to handle pass blocking duties.
With the Patriots running back by committee approach, Johnson would fit right in. Blount, Gray, Bolden, Gaffney and he all offer a plethora of backs with size that can run with power. He along with Cadet, Gaffney, James White and Lewis can also catch the ball out of the backfield.
The competition should be fierce for reps with this group once the spring workouts start. By training camp things should be still up in the air, but the Patriots will have plenty of options this season.
If they choose Johnson in the draft, he’ll add to the mix and his versatility will be a nice addition to the team…especially on third down.
Johnson’s highlight film can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjRwXHZ6LtQ
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