Dillon Johnson, a running back who recently transferred to the Washington Huskies after three seasons at Mississippi State, has made a notable impact despite his limited usage with the Bulldogs. At Mississippi State, Johnson was primarily utilized as a pass-catching back, never rushing more than 90 times in a season. However, after moving to Washington, he quickly found success, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023. Alongside quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wide receiver Rome Odunze, Johnson emerged as an NFL prospect from Washington’s potent offense, even though the team fell short of a national title.
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Johnson’s physical attributes include a height of 6 feet, a weight of 217 pounds, and a 40-yard dash time of 4.68 seconds. These measurements suggest that while he has a sturdy build suitable for the NFL, his speed is somewhat limited, which could impact his draft position. Analysts project him as an early Day 3 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, likely around the 5th round. While he may not be a standout in any particular backfield, Johnson is seen as a reliable complementary player who can contribute effectively in multiple areas, ensuring a potentially long NFL career.
**Strengths:**
– **Powerful Runner:** Johnson excels as a north-south runner, using his power to move the chains and handle a heavy workload.
– **Three-Down Utility:** His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game makes him a valuable asset. Johnson is a capable pass-catcher and can serve as a safety outlet for quarterbacks, adding versatility to his role.
– **Blocking Ability:** Johnson’s sturdy frame makes him a reliable blocker, and with further coaching, he could develop into a more refined protector.
– **Low Mileage:** Despite being a senior, Johnson has only one season as a primary back, meaning he has less wear and tear compared to other prospects, which could prolong his career.
– **Efficient Scorer:** In his 2023 season at Washington, Johnson was highly efficient, scoring a touchdown every 14.6 carries. He also demonstrated the ability to wear down defenses as the game progressed.
– **Gritty Player:** Known for his toughness, Johnson has played through injuries, showing a strong team-first mentality.
**Weaknesses:**
– **Contact-Prone Running Style:** Johnson often takes on heavy contact, which could increase his injury risk and shorten his career.
– **Limited Elusiveness:** He lacks the agility to consistently make defenders miss in the open field, making him more of a grinder rather than a dynamic playmaker.
– **Speed Concerns:** Johnson does not have the breakaway speed to outrun defenders in the open field, which could limit his big-play potential in the NFL.
– **Vision and Lateral Movement:** There are questions about whether Johnson’s vision is subpar or if his limited lateral quickness prevents him from making optimal cuts and finding open lanes.
– **Blocking Technique:** Although he is an effective blocker, his technique needs refinement, which will require further development at the pro level.
– **One-Year Wonder?:** There’s some concern that Johnson’s success may be attributed to Washington’s well-designed offense and that he may not replicate this performance in the NFL.
**Fantasy Football Outlook:**
Johnson’s profile suggests a player who could have a short NFL career with inconsistent fantasy production. He draws comparisons to former NFL back David Johnson and current Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner, both of whom have had productive careers but faced limitations that capped their fantasy value. While Dillon Johnson may not become a regular starter in fantasy lineups, his ability to score and contribute as a pass-catcher gives him value in specific situations and systems. However, due to his physical limitations and reliance on a strong supporting cast, fantasy managers should temper their expectations for long-term success.
Dillon Johnson’s skill set makes him an appealing option for several NFL teams, especially those in need of a versatile, complementary running back who can contribute in both the running and passing games. Given his power-running style, pass-catching ability, and blocking skills, Johnson could fit well with teams looking for a reliable backup or a rotational player to pair with an existing starter.
Here are a few teams that might benefit from adding Johnson:
### 1. **Arizona Cardinals**
– **Why?** The Cardinals have James Conner as their lead back, who has a similar bruising style but has dealt with injuries. Johnson could provide depth and take on a role similar to Conner’s, allowing the team to manage Conner’s workload and extend his longevity.
### 2. **Los Angeles Chargers**
– **Why?** Austin Ekeler is a premier pass-catching back, but the Chargers could use a power back to complement his skill set. Johnson could help in short-yardage situations and offer a reliable option in the passing game, similar to how they used Melvin Gordon when he was with the team.
### 3. **Baltimore Ravens**
– **Why?** The Ravens emphasize a run-heavy offense and have dealt with numerous injuries in their backfield. Johnson could add depth and fit into their physical running scheme, potentially contributing in both short-yardage situations and as a receiving option out of the backfield.
### 4. **New England Patriots**
– **Why?** The Patriots love versatile backs who can contribute in various ways. With Rhamondre Stevenson as the lead back, Johnson could slide into a complementary role, especially given New England’s history of using multiple running backs in different roles.
### 5. **Pittsburgh Steelers**
– **Why?** Najee Harris is the lead back, but the Steelers could use a reliable backup who can handle a workload and contribute on all three downs. Johnson’s skill set would allow Pittsburgh to spell Harris while maintaining a similar style of offense.
### 6. **Kansas City Chiefs**
– **Why?** The Chiefs are always looking for depth and versatility in their backfield to complement their high-powered offense. Johnson’s ability as a pass-catcher would fit well with Andy Reid’s system, providing another option alongside Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
### 7. **Philadelphia Eagles**
– **Why?** The Eagles have a strong running game but could benefit from additional depth behind D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell. Johnson could offer a physical presence in their rotation and serve as a reliable pass-catcher, fitting well with their RPO-heavy offense.
These teams have various needs at the running back position, and Dillon Johnson’s versatility and skill set could allow him to carve out a role, especially in a rotational system where he can be used to complement existing starters.