Dillon signed with Panthers today after getting cut by the Titans last week (after much fanfare in April). The UDFA ran for over 1,100 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Huskies en route to the National Championship last season.
From Sports Illustrated: "Dillon Johnson was one of the nation's best backs until he suffered an injury during the College Football Playoff that limited his effectiveness," Sobleski wrote. "He's a decisive, one-cut runner, though… he's not an explosive ball-carrier."
You can definitely see that in his highlights. Here's his draft profile (PFF):
POSITIVES
— Sturdy runner with impressive balance. Regularly absorbs contact and keeps moving forward.
— Excellent vision and footwork. Smart, controlled runner who marries patience with decisiveness.
— Efficiently uses the space afforded to him between the tackles. Runs tight to blocks; can get skinny through the hole.
— Tough as nails. Battled through multiple injuries at the end of the season without missing time.
NEGATIVES
— Burst and acceleration is severely lacking. Struggles to beat angles on the perimeter.
— Top speed is poor. Not the kind of runner who pulls away.
— Below-average flexibility. Struggles to bend and burst when cutting up the field on perimeter runs.
— Too frantic in pass protection. Ends up out of position.
Overall, I'm excited for the depth and I hope he makes the team.
2 comments
He would have to beat Blackshear to make the 53. Based on PFF, he profiles more as a bruiser / short yardage back.
In short, likely not a special teamer and so best case scenario is the PS.
This is the most in-depth post I’ve ever seen for a random roster body, since maybe King McNutt.