Houston Texans: RB Duke Johnson, Jr.
Selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2015 draft out of Miami, Johnson has never gained more than 410 rushing yards in a season, which he did with the Texans after he was acquired last August for a conditional fourth-round pick. The original idea, per Houston head coach Bill O’Brien, was for Johnson to get all the touches he could handle. That didn’t really happen on the ground — he just just 83 rushing opportunities despite the fact that he averaged 4.9 yards per carry — but as was the case in Cleveland, Johnson also proved to be an estimable receiver out of the backfield. He caught 44 passes on 62 targets for 410 yards and three touchdowns this season, and per Sports Info Solutions, only Oakland’s Jalen Richard and Dare Ogunbowale of the Buccaneers had more air yards among running backs than Johnson’s 49.
In an offense friendlier to his talents, Johnson might have the potential to have an impact similar to the Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey or Austin Ekeler of the Chargers. But he will be able to make a difference in this offense against the Chiefs on Sunday, either as a receiver or as a rusher. The Bills could tell Kansas City all they need to know about Johnson’s underrated ability to move through gaps and break tackles — this 19-yard run in the wild-card round is compelling evidence.
Previous Texans secret superstar: Receiver Will Fuller V
Danielle Hunter | Dee Ford | Harold Landry III | Matthew Judon |
Duke Johnson, Jr. | Charvarius Ward | Poona Ford | Kenny Clark