NFL Draft 2016: Detroit Lions Running Back Targets

Marshall’s Devon Johnson, is a converted tight end who moved to running back in 2013 and became a starter in 2014. Nicknamed “Rockhead” because of his aggressive running style, his power will be appealing for a team looking for an inside thumper. Injuries cut his 2015 season short, but his skill set may be just what the Lions are looking for.

Devon Johnson’s measurables:

6’0 ½” 238 pounds, a lingering back injury that caused him to miss time in 2015, further limited his combine workout.

At his Pro Day:

40 = 4.59, at 238 pounds this is a solid score, about .16 faster than expected for his weight

3-cone = 7.09, this isn’t surprising as he’s not a dancing running back, he plows straight ahead

Short Shuttle = 4.6, this is low but like the 3-cone, it’s not part of his game

Vertical Jump = 33.5, Broad Jump = 9’5”, both jumps are slightly under average but expected for his size

Bench Press = didn’t participate because of a lingering shoulder issue

So what do these numbers tell us?

It backs up what you see on game day. He’s a straight ahead power runner who isn’t going to outrun many people, but if you get in his way he’s going to hit you. His agility numbers (3-cone and Short shuttle) show us he’s slightly below the general average, so he’s not as quick as a big back like Carlos Hyde, but still quicker than most backs his size.

This aggressive style is fun to watch but the biggest concern for him is going to be injuries. Back and shoulder injuries for running backs are concerning but if he is in a committee, the volume of his high impact hits will be reduced.

Stats

Only played in 5 games in 2015 because of injury but over that span he was productive. He carried the ball 94 times for 593 yards (6.3 average), and 5 touchdowns. He caught 6 passes for 63 yards (10.5/reception) and 1 touchdown.

Looking back to 2014 when he was fully healthy, he rushed 204 times for 1767 yards (8.6 average), and 17 touchdowns. He had 6 receptions for 121 yards (20.2 average) and 2 touchdowns.

The 2014 numbers are impressive for a 238 pound power back. While he doesn’t appear to have breakaway speed he had runs of 75 yards in both years. Once he gets to the second level, his ability to use a powerful stiff arm keeps defenders from tackling him. When they position themselves in his path, he is quick to lower his shoulder and try to be the one to deliver the impact. This makes him very hard to bring down.

His injury history is concerning and he will get pushed down in the draft because of it, but if he checks out medically he could be a real find in the final 2 rounds.

Next: Next Up: The Sleeper