Ranking the Top 15 Running Backs in the 2015 NFL Draft

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2. Duke Johnson, 5’9, 207, Miami

Johnson may not look the part of a three-down running back, but he’s the best bet of anyone in this draft class to replicate the success of his fellow Hurricane, Frank Gore, and achieve success as a starter despite a lack of size.

Johnson hits the hole very quickly and forcefully, and he’s not afraid to plow into defenders, operating with an aggressive, shoulders-first running style. Despite a lack of size, he’s very much viable as a power back as well as a “speed back”. Johnson is also more effective near the goal line than many of the backs in this class. He’s very polished as a receiver, possessing good hands and strong catching skills, so if nothing else he should be an impactful change-of-pace back.

The greatest concerns about Johnson are going to involve his durability going forward. As a player who runs with such a ferocious style despite being undersized, he’s more susceptible to injury than most. He already suffered a rather serious injury, a fractured ankle, that ended his 2013 season, so there may be lasting concerns about how well the ankle will hold up long-term, too.

Next: 1. Todd Gurley