As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Roschon Johnson.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
Roschon Johnson (RB – Texas)
6’2″ – 223 lbs.
Background:
Texas native who was a four-star recruit as a dual-threat quarterback but converted to running back as a freshman, splitting carries almost evenly with Keontay Ingram and finishing with 123-649-7 (5.3) on the ground and 23-158-1 receiving. A committee was established when Bijan Robinson arrived on campus, but Johnson finished with nearly the same number of carries as Robinson, with an 80-418-6 (5.2) line and eight catches. Had very similar years in 2021 and 2022: 96-569-5 (5.9) with 11 catches in the former and 93-554-5 (6.0) and 14 catches in the latter.
Positives:
Big back who has a strong build and relatively little tread on his tires. Took snaps as the team’s wildcat quarterback as well. Quickness and vision are above average; has more of a finesse game than you’d think for a player with his size and is capable of shuffling into gaps and taking advantage of cutback opportunities when weaving through defenders. Uses hesitation well. When he sees daylight, overall burst is surprisingly good for a player of his size. Has pretty good build-up speed and can deliver some punishment when he gets to the second level. Works in a nice stiff arm near the boundary. Shows solid knee-bend when working through congestion. Leg drive allows him to gain yards after contact. Ball security is solid, with only one career fumble. Has plenty of power as a blocker and works hard to stick with his man.
Negatives:
On the tall side, so like many bigger runners, can expose his lower body to punishment at times. Overall balance is closer to average. Needs a head of steam to run with power; can get stonewalled at the line before he gets going. Can pick up yards after contact and move the pile, but doesn’t break too many tackles. Some teams might like to see him run with more physicality. More of a chunk gainer than a home-run hitter. Wasn’t really integrated into the passing game except in blitz pickup, where he has some inconsistencies in terms of balance; more of a safety valve. Played quarterback in the wildcat but only threw two career passes.
Summary:
A huge running back with a finesse approach based around quickness and vision but doesn’t run with quite as much power or grit as is typical given his size. Was overshadowed by Bijan Robinson in school but is a solid back in his own right and could continue to work his way into a running back rotation at the pro level. Probably more of a mid-round selection.
Projection: Round 4
Other 2023 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects
- Devon Achane (RB – Texas A&M)
- Tank Bigsby (RB – Auburn)
- Chase Brown (RB – Illinois)
- Zach Charbonnet (RB – UCLA)
- Zach Evans (RB – Mississippi)
- Jahmyr Gibbs (RB – Alabama)
- Kenny McIntosh (RB – Georgia)
- Kendre Miller (RB – TCU)
- Bijan Robinson (RB – Texas)
- Sean Tucker (RB – Syracuse)
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