Chicago Bears 2015 Draft Prospects: Running Backs

Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Duke Johnson, 5-foot-9, 207 pounds, Miami (FL)

Playing at a school with a pretty good history of running backs, Duke Johnson was one of its better backs. He finished second behind Willis McGahee in school history in yards (3,519). In 2014, he had 1,652 yards, also second in school history (also second to McGahee). He was named to the All-ACC first team.

In 2013, he was named All-ACC second team, even though he missed a chunk of the season with a broken ankle. In 2012, he was the ACC Rookie of the Year and second team All-ACC after setting a freshman record of 947 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Johnson is an elusive runner with impressive acceleration. He also has a great burst. He is a patient runner who will wait for plays to stretch, then he hits the open hole. He is a fierce competitor who will fight for every yard.

Johnson is also effective catching passes out of the backfield. In 2014, he had 38 catches for 421 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Johnson’s size is a concern. His body takes a pounding, and there is a concern whether or not he could take the more severe pounding at the next level. In addition to his ankle injury, he had a variety of ailments that kept him from finishing several games.

When blocking, Johnson tries to use the cut block instead of squaring up and using technique.

With the size and medical concerns, Johnson might be better playing in a two-back or running back by committee system. That will limit the number of hits he takes, keeping him healthy. He and Carey would make a nice one-two punch for the Bears.

Next: Ameer Abdullah