Cardinals Wrap Up Day Two With Taking David Johnson
A short time after grabbing linebacker Markus Golden in the second round, the Arizona Cardinals addressed another need in the next round by taking running back David Johnson out of Northern Iowa.
Unknown by most, Johnson became a third rounder because of his play in the week leading up to the Senior Bowl and the impressive NFL Combine he put together in Indianapolis. He ran a 4.50 40-yard dash and had a vertical jump of 41.5″, both of which were at the top for his position.
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After redshirting during his first year at Northern Iowa, Johnson became the Panthers most effective weapon on offense both running and catching the football the last four years. Over his career, the 6-foot-1, 224-pounder had 4,682 rushing yards, 1,734 receiving yards and 63 totals touchdowns.
Johnson was selected first-team All-Missouri Valley Football in both 2013 and 2014 and was named third-team FCS All-American. The running back also became the first player in school history with three consecutive 1,000 yard seasons and broke 15 school records altogether.
Here’s what NFL.com has as his strengths.
"Looks good on the hoof. Possesses a big body and falls forward for additional yards. Smooth pass-catcher out of the backfield and is a mismatch for linebackers. Has been a consistent weapon out of the backfield while in college. Uses an effective jump cut on inside runs to change direction and can string a couple of them together on the same run. Has good long speed when he gets into space. Has enough pop behind his pads to become a better finisher."
And his weaknesses.
"Long-strider. Doesn’t always look like he has the foot quickness to burst through the hole consistently. Allows defenders to get a hand on him through the replace and isn’t a classic finisher. Tends to hit the brakes too hard in order to make his cuts. Questionable vision. Looks to make cuts instead of keeping the run play-side. Scouts want to see more fire in his play demeanor. Play strength and blocking are problems. Goes down too easily."
Heading into this draft, the Cardinals adding a running back was a need.
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The Cardinals were the second worst team in running the football behind the Oakland Raiders last season. Andre Ellington proved that he couldn’t stay healthy last season taking over full-time duties and there wasn’t much quality depth behind him.
Training camp should help decide who will receive carries behind Ellington. As of now, the Cardinals have Stepfan Taylor, Kerwynn Williams, Robert Hughes, Marion Grice, Zach Bauman and soon to be Johnson all under contract for this coming season.
Being a new draft pick and with his size and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, Johnson may have the upper hand over those other guys in earning playing time behind Ellington. A good training camp and preseason could cement his role as Dre’s backup.
Stay with HeatWaved as we cover what the Cardinals do during the final day on Saturday.