Devon Johnson 2016 NFL Draft Profile

Oct 25, 2014; Huntington, WV, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Devon Johnson (47) rushes the ball in the fourth quarter against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Marshall defeated Florida Atlantic 35-16 and Johnson finished with four touchdowns. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2014; Huntington, WV, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd running back Devon Johnson (47) rushes the ball in the fourth quarter against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Marshall defeated Florida Atlantic 35-16 and Johnson finished with four touchdowns. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Marshall running back, Devon Johnson, may be the sleeper of this RB class. Here is the Devon Johnson 2016 NFL Draft Profile

Devon “Rockhead” Johnson is a player flying under many people’s radar these days. But what Devon Johnson lacks in hype, he makes up for in talent and versatility. Devon Johnson, a former tight end turned running back, is a player who can play halfback, fullback, and H-back at the next level.

A proven special teamer, Devon Johnson is the kind of late round player that can wear multiple hats. He’s a player with a track record of success, and the ability to impact a game in multiple ways, serving multiple roles. He’s exactly the type of player teams look for in the sixth and seventh rounds of the draft.

At 6’0” 240lbs, Devon Johnson is a larger-than-average running back. The aptly named, “Rockhead”, plays a violent brand of football. A one-cut runner, Devon Johnson looks for a lane and fully commits, busting down field with a head of steam.

Devon Johnson exploded onto the scene in 2014 when he rushed for a staggering 1,767 yards and 17 touchdowns.  He added another 12 catches for 218 yards and two TDs receiving as he mowed down opponents earning first team All-Conference USA honors.

In 2015, injuries limited Devon Johnson to only five starts for the Thundering Herd, likely reducing his draft stock in process. But for those that remember his 2014 season, Rockhead looks every bit the role of sleeper in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Posting a 4.59 40-yard dash time with a 4.6 second short shuttle and 7.09 second short shuttle, Devon Johnson has the speed and quickness to carry the ball at the next level. Together with his bruising style of play, Rockhead looks like he could develop into more than just a goal line RB.

Watching his highlight film you can see him patiently working behind the Marshall zone blocking scheme and getting downhill in a hurry. He has a one-cut-and-go style that would fit most zone blocking offenses in the NFL.

His level of competition must be considered, but grading his size, speed, shiftiness, and pad level, he appears to be a player that translates well to the NFL.

Devon Johnson is a capable in-line blocker and receiver making an ideal candidate for the H-back role in the NFL. H-backs need to be able to block from the line, block on the move, and block from the backfield. Devon Johnson can do all of this.

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While he wasn’t used much as a receiver in the Marshall backfield, he does have receiving skills that could make him a reliable option in the passing game, be it from the backfield as a HB/FB or on the line as a TE.

Rated by Walter Football as the #2 FB in the 2016 NFL Draft, Rockhead has also proven he can lower his pads and deliver bone jarring blocks. He’s big and strong enough to move linemen and he’s quick and athletic enough to hit ‘backers at the next level.

Injuries remain the biggest red flag on Rockhead’s resume. Back injures like the one that took most of his 2015 season are never taken lightly. Especially since his brand of football involves lowering his head and bulldozing opponents. But as a sixth round pick with loads to offer, Devon Johnson, may just have too much to offer to ignore.

Next: Draft: The Best RB No One is Talking About

Devon Johnson is a player who can contribute in multiple ways in the NFL. A day one contributor on special teams, Johnson could develop into more than just depth at three positions, but a player who has both the size and ability to dictate his will on his opponents.