Tag: Dillon Johnson

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Dillon Johnson, Washington

Is Johnson a one-year wonder or a late bloomer?

Washington Huskies running back Dillon Johnson made his way to the Pacific Northwest after three seasons at Mississippi State. He was used sparingly for the Bulldogs, rushing fewer than 90 times in each season, but Johnson carved out a role as a pass-catching back each of those years.

He found immediate success with the Huskies, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2023. Washington fell short of winning a national title, but Johnson joins quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and wideout Rome Odunze as NFL-bound prospects from this powerhouse offense.

Height: 6-foot
Weight: 217 pounds
40 time: 4.68 seconds

Physical limitations should render Johnson no higher than an early Day 3 pick in the upcoming draft. He safely grades as a Round 5 selection. He’s not likely to steal the show in any backfield, but Johnson is a useful complementary piece who does a few things well enough to keep him in the NFL for several years.

Table: RB Dillon Johnson, Washington (2020-23)

Year School Class Gm Rushing Receiving
Att Yds Avg TD Rec Yds TD
*2020 Miss State Fr 11 51 225 4.4 4 36 157 0
*2021 Miss State So 13 89 485 5.4 4 65 422 1
*2022 Miss State Jr 11 89 488 5.5 3 48 285 0
*2023 Wash Sr 14 233 1,195 5.1 16 24 190 0
Total 462 2,393 5.2 27 173 1,054 1

*includes postseason/bowl games (stats from Sports Reference)

Pros

  • Powerful as a north-south runner
  • Can shoulder a hearty workload
  • Three-down utility — a sound pass-catching outlet to serve as a safety blanket
  • Capable blocker with sturdy frame to develop through pro-level coaching
  • Limited wear on the tires after only one full season as a primary back
  • Played at a high level vs. quality competition throughout Washington’s 2023 championship-appearance season prior to suffering an injury vs. Texas
  • Efficient production in ’23, scoring a touchdown every 14.6 attempts
  • Can wear down defenses as the game goes along
  • Underrated burst for the first 5-10 yards on outside runs — just quick enough to get to the edge
  • Gritty, team-first player who guts it out when less than 100%

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Cons

  • Takes on heavy contact, which could impact career longevity and opens him up to greater risk of injury
  • Lacks open-field elusiveness and finesse moves to create extra yardage
  • Can’t run away from defenders in the open field and will be an inefficient grinder in the NFL
  • It’s tough to tell if his vision is subpar or his lack of lateral ability causes him to abandon cutback and open-lane opportunities
  • More of an effort blocker than a technical marvel — already ahead of the curve but needs fine-tuning
  • One-year wonder in a great design and loaded offense?

Fantasy football outlook

Backs with Johnson’s profile tend to have shorter careers and only a limited runaway to contribute in fantasy lineups. He reminds of a blend between former NFL back David Johnson and current Arizona Cardinal James Conner. Both backs have enjoyed success during their pro careers but saw physical limitations factoring into lowering their fantasy ceilings.

From strictly a profile perspective, Johnson will have a role in fantasy lineups, though we may not like the inconsistency. He isn’t likely to develop into a lineup fixture, but the scoring potential and pass-catching utility gives him situation as well as system versatility.

Cardinals among teams with top-30 visits with Washington RB Dillon Johnson

The Cardinals will bring in Washington RB Dillon Johnson for an official visit.

The Arizona Cardinals are beginning to line up some official draft prospect visits. Allowed to fly in and host 30 players over the next few weeks to get a closer look at them, some names they plan on meeting with are beginning to emerge.

One name recently reported by Bleacher Report’s Ryan Fowler is Washington running back Dillon Johnson. He also has them scheduled with the Steelers and Vikings. Cardinals among teams with top-30 visits with Washington RB Dillon Johnson

Johnson, after three years at Mississippi State, transferred to Washington and rushed for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt in 2023.

At the NFL combine, he measured under six feet tall and weighed 217 pounds. He ran the 40 in 4.68 seconds with a 31.5-inch vertical leap and 9-foot-9 broad jump.

He is a tough runner with below-average burst and speed but is physical and has decent vision.

He could be a Day 3 option for the Cardinals.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 79, Washington RB Dillon Johnson

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Washington running back Dillon Johnson.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

With AJ Dillon set to hit the open market this offseason and Aaron Jones entering the final year of his contract, the Green Bay Packers will likely be in the market for a running back or two this offseason.

A running back that Brian Gutekunst could target during the 2024 NFL Draft is Dillon Johnson. The University of Washington running back checks in at No. 79 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A transfer from Mississippi State, Johnson rushed for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Huskies this past season. 

Johnson is as tough as nails and his grit was on full display in the National Championship matchup against Michigan when he played through a lower-body injury. 

“Dillon’s greatest strength is his toughness and attitude,” Roman Tomashoff, the side editor for UWHuskiesWire, said. “They allow him to never take a play off and helps bring out the best in his game on every snap.”

Johnson seeks out contact. He seems to have an appetite for the physical side of the game and wants to inflict pain on defenders trying to tackle him. He runs through arm tackles and keeps his legs driving through contact. Johnson always seems to fall forward. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson racked up 699 yards after contact and forced 43 missed tackles this past season. 

Johnson has good vision and the foot quickness to make sharp cuts without having to gear down. While he’s in no way shape or form going to win many foot races, he’s quicker than fast and is capable of ripping off chunk plays. According to PFF, Johnson had 25 runs of 10-plus yards this past season. 

“Dillon possesses excellent strength, a great stiff arm and great balance which make him very hard to tackle one one-on-one,” Tomashoff said. “He loves to seek out contact when he gets to the second level and has a size advantage against most defensive backs when he gets outside the tackles.”

Before transferring to Washington, Johnson was part of the air-raid attack at Mississippi State. During his three seasons in the SEC, Johnson hauled in 149 receptions for 864 yards and one touchdown. He has reliable hands and had zero drops this past season (five for his career). In pass protection, he steps up to meet defenders head-on. 

“Dillon gives max effort in pass protection and is very good at it too,” Tomashoff said. “His strength and footwork make him a more than serviceable pass blocker at the NFL level. While he didn’t get to show off his full ability as a receiver at Washington, coming from an air raid scheme at Mississippi State, Dillon has great hands and an advanced understanding of route running thanks to his time in Starkville.”

Fit with the Packers

The Packers need to add a running back that can help take some of the load off Jones, as the Packers attempt to extend the dynamic running back’s career. 

Johnson is a back that could come in and do the dirty work. It’s third and two and the Packers need to move the chains. No problem. Hand the ball off to Johnson and let him hammer his way for three yards while running behind Elgton Jenkins. 

Johnson is a physical back that shreds through arm tackles and can hit another gear when he gets out into space. The Mississippi State transfer has the hands to be a threat out of the backfield in Green Bay’s aerial attack. 

“I would draft Dillon because he has the potential to be a three-down back that showed he can handle a heavy workload,” Tomashoff said. “His best games came on the biggest stages, even while dealing with multiple injuries. He brings the toughness, skillset, and attitude of a reliable pro running back who would also be a fantastic addition to any locker room.”

10 prospects to watch for Packers fans in CFB National Championship game

Here are 10 names for Green Bay Packers fans to watch tonight.

The first round of the 2024 NFL Draft is 108 days away and the National Championship matchup between the University of Washington and Michigan features five prospects that have a real shot of hearing their name called on April 25th. 

Rome Odunze, Washington’s No. 1 wide receiver could be the third wide receiver off the board and he’ll likely go in the Top 15. 

Teams in search of a quarterback that miss out on Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels will likely turn to Washington’s Michael Penix Jr or Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy.

In the trenches, Washington’s left tackle Troy Fautanu has a realistic shot of being a first-round pick. Bralen Trice, one of Washington’s talented edge rushers also has first-round aspirations.

Those five are the headliners in a National Championship game that features plenty of talented NFL Draft prospects. Here are 10 names for Green Bay Packers fans to watch tonight.

Dominique Hampton, DB, Washington

Hampton is a versatile safety that can line up in the slot, in the box or deep. He has outstanding size and length for the position. Hampton enters the matchup tonight with 99 tackles, two interceptions and six pass deflections. 

Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington

Johnson is hard-nosed and slippery. He keeps his legs driving through contact and always seems to fall forward. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson picked up 673 yards after contact this season.

Rod Moore, S, Michigan

Will he stay or will he go? The Michigan safety missed the beginning of the season and started off slow. The rust started to wear off and he’s recorded 15 tackles and one interception over the past three games. With a strong showing against Washington’s aerial attack, Moore could vault for the NFL and be a day-three target for the Packers.

LaDarius Henderson, OL, Michigan

Henderson has tackle-guard versatility. Michigan’s starting left tackle and the Arizona State transfer has taken snaps at every position along the offensive line except for center. With his length and versatility, Henderson could be the next day three offensive lineman the Packers target.

Donovan Edwards, RB, Michigan

Edwards is an explosive runner and a weapon in the passing game. He enters the game with 68 career receptions and three receiving touchdowns. While a dynamic threat, Edwards is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry this season and could opt to return to school. If he declares, Edwards could be a versatile and dynamic weapon for the Packers.

Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington

Like Henderson, Fautanu offers tackle-guard versatility. Unlike Henderson though, Fautanu is a Top 50 prospect and could be a potential target for the Packers with the New York Jets’ second-round pick. The Washington left tackle has quick feet and the lateral quickness to stick at left tackle on Sundays.

Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan

The man nicknamed The Mutant and the nephew of Cullen Jenkins, is a powerful defensive lineman. To go along with all that raw power, Jenkins is quick out of his stance, showcasing explosive movements to get upfield quickly and disrupt the action in the backfield.

Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Edge, Washington

The Washington edge rusher’s calling card is his power. He has adequate initial quickness and converts speed to power. ZTF projects as a late-day three selection and would provide quality depth behind Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and Lukas Van Ness.

Trevor Keegan, G, Michigan

The Michigan starter at left guard, Keegan has been a brick wall in pass protection this season. According to PFF, Keegan has given up zero sacks this season and yielded just 11 pressures. A year after drafting zero offensive linemen, Brian Gutekunst could target Keegan to add depth along the interior of the offensive line.

Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington

From walk-on to captain, Ulofoshio plays with the relentless play style that Green Bay’s defense occasionally lacks. With his competitive spirit, football IQ and leadership, Ulofoshio could be a day-three target for the Packers as they look to improve on special teams and potentially replace De’Vondre Campbell.

Dillon Johnson erupts for 256 rushing yards as Washington tramples USC

USC could not stop Dillon Johnson and Washington

The game was billed as a matchup between Michael Penix Jr. and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

Dillon Johnson decided to upstage the quarterbacks and in doing so he led Washington to a 52-42 win over USC in Pac-12 play on Saturday.

Johnson was unstoppable, rushing for 256 yards — 199 before he was touched by a Trojan defender.

He scored four touchdowns, including the one that iced the victory with 2:20 to play. That capped a 9-play, 91-yard drive.


Penix was 22-of-30 for 256 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Williams, whose Trojans suffered their third defeat, threw for 312 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed for a TD.

The victory was Washington’s 16th straight.

Washington goes up on USC after Caleb Williams fumble

Washington capitalized on a turnover to take the lead on USC

Neither team had room for error as USC and Washington were putting on offensive fireworks in the first half on Saturday.

With the scored tied at 28, the Huskies forced a break, stripping Caleb Williams of the football and recovering.

Three plays and 12 yards later, Dillon Johnson found the end zone and the Huskies went into halftime up 35-28.

Auburn misses out on transfer running back from Mississippi State

Former Mississippi State running back Dillon Johnson will be heading west.

The Auburn Tigers will have to keep looking for a new running back in the transfer portal.

Former Mississippi State running back Dillon Johnson announced his decision Tuesday after entering the transfer portal, but he won’t be heading to the Plains. Johnson announced that he intended to transfer to Washington to play for the Huskies, spurning Auburn, Louisville and South Carolina in the process.

Johnson had been a target for Auburn since he entered the transfer portal in December (subscription required). He’ll join Washington with two years of eligibility left to team up with returning quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to improve on a 2022 campaign that saw the Huskies become Alamo Bowl champions.

For Auburn, meanwhile, [autotag]Jarquez Hunter[/autotag] remains the top back at Auburn after the departure of Tank Bigsby to the NFL draft. Hunter was still productive alongside Bigsby in 2022, however, netting seven touchdowns and averaging 6.4 yards per carry over the course of the year. Who Auburn’s second running back behind Hunter will be for the 2023 season is still unknown, and after Johnson chose Washington, the team will still be searching in its first offseason with head coach Hugh Freeze.

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Transfer target Dillon Johnson sets commitment date

He is one of Auburn’s top remaining targets.

One of Auburn’s top targets is set to announce his commitment.

Mississippi State running back transfer [autotag]Dillon Johnson[/autotag] plans to announce his transfer destination on Jan. 3. He revealed the news to Keith Niebuhr of Auburn Live.

Johnson has been one of Auburn’s top transfer targets since he entered the portal on Dec. 7. The 6-foot, 215-pound Johnson has two seasons of eligibility remaining and would make an instant impact on The Plains.

With Tank Bigbsy heading to the NFL, Auburn’s running back room needs an experienced player to complement Jarquez Hunter, Damari Alston and incoming freshman Jeremiah Cobb. He has plenty of experience as both a physical runner and a pass catcher coming from Mike Leach’s air raid system.

In 2022, he rushed for 497 yards and three touchdowns on 89 carries and caught 48 passes for 285 yards. In three seasons as a Bulldog, he rushed for 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns and caught 149 passes for 864 yards and one score.

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Rara Thomas to take official visit to Auburn this weekend

The former Mississippi State wide receiver will return to Auburn for a second visit this weekend and is expected to bring a guest.

Auburn football has found much-needed success in recruiting since Hugh Freeze took over the program on Nov. 28.

Over a three-day span, Freeze and his staff have flipped three players from other programs to Auburn, and they are looking to add more prospects from the transfer portal before spring practice.

One of the top targets for Auburn is former Mississippi State receiver, and Eufaula native, [autotag]Rara Thomas[/autotag]. Thomas took an unofficial visit last week after receiving an offer from Auburn.

According to a report from Christian Clemente of 247Sports, Thomas enjoyed his visit so much, that he is set to return this weekend for an official visit. Not only will Thomas be in town, but he is bringing former Bulldog teammate [autotag]Dillon Johnson[/autotag] with him.

The former Mississippi State running back entered the transfer portal on Dec. 7, two days after the window for non-graduate transfers opened. He announced on Sunday that he had joined Thomas in receiving an offer from Auburn.

Thomas was the team’s leading receiver, reeling in 44 catches for 626 yards and seven touchdowns in Mississippi State’s air raid system. Johnson, as a running back, did not produce the numbers Thomas did, but he rushed for 488 yards and three touchdowns. He added 285 receiving yards to his yearly total.

Thomas and Johnson are two prospects set to take visits to campus this week. Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall is also expected to visit on Saturday.

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Auburn offers premier back from SEC West

Two of Mississippi State’s top playmakers have received offers from Auburn since the transfer portal market opened on Dec. 5.

Auburn Football is shopping for top talent who currently reside in the transfer portal and did not have to go far to extend its’ most recent offer.

[autotag]Dillon Johnson[/autotag], who rushed for 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns in three seasons at Mississippi State, announced Saturday that he has received an offer from Auburn.

Johnson is back on the market after splitting carries with Jo’quavious Marks in the Bulldogs backfield. Neither back has come close to rushing for 1,000 yards in a season over their careers due to Mississippi State’s air raid system, but Johnson has proved to be a great pass catcher, as he racked up 864 receiving yards during his time in Starkville.

Johnson becomes the second offensive playmaker from Mississippi State that Auburn has offered since December 5. The Bulldogs’ second-leading receiver from this season, [autotag]RaRa Thomas[/autotag], received an Auburn offer last week and took a visit to campus last Thursday.

Johnson infamously entered the portal on Dec. 7. In his announcement, he took time to air what is believed to be Mississippi State’s dirty laundry.

“Since I am not very tough, and (Coach Mike) Leach is glad I am leaving, I will be entering my name into the transfer portal with the hopes of finding a more fit playing environment for me,” Johnson said in a tweet.

Johnson has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

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