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Photo of Jeremiah Johnson
Grade
?
  • 4.71 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 20 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 35.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 115.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 5'9" Height
  • 209LBS. Weight

Overview

Johnson was quietly being touted by scouts before the 2008 season as a breakout candidate. After all, 2008 first-round pick Jonathan Stewart's emergence only came after Johnson suffered a season-ending torn right ACL in the sixth game on 2007. Johnson's shoulder popped out of its socket against Utah State after only one 37-yard carry, however, making scouts wonder if he was injury-prone. But he played in every game en route to 2008 second-team All-Pac 10 honors, gaining 1,201 rushing yards, scoring 13 touchdowns and averaging an outstanding 7.1 yards per carry. Had an arm span of 30 3/4 inches and a hand span of 9 1/4 inches at the combine.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Good muscular development in upper and lower bodies. Deceptively fast once in the open. Runs with a low center of gravity, bouncing and spinning off tacklers to maintain his balance. Excellent vision and the quickness to cut in either direction to take advantage of that space. Runs through arm tackles and keeps legs churning to get extra yardage outside or a first down inside. Natural hands, adjusting to high and low throws on screens. Stays in front of blitzers and twisting linemen in pass protection. Experienced at returning kickoffs, although he did not handle that duty in 2008 -- possibly to keep him healthy. Negatives: Short and stout, but not as wide as other compact backs. Tends to dance or bounce outside, which won't work against the speed of NFL defenses, instead of bulling ahead for the needed yardage. Must prove he has the strength to be a short-yardage back. Gets tackled too easily when trying to sidestep defenders. Needs to adjust to a pro-style offense after playing his career in the spread, but Jonathan Stewart's early NFL success shows it's very possible.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.

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