RB David Johnson, Retired (1 Viewer)

[BobbyLayne]

Not even close to the worst in the NFL. At least 5 teams are worse. 

Johnson was quietly pretty solid last year, and is likely the centerpiece of the offense if Watson is gone/suspended. He's a useful RB3 in my opinion. I doubt Ingram and Burkhead are real threats preventing Johnson from 200+ touches. Maybe Lindsay is, but he's somewhat proven he wears down pretty quickly, and is best used as a change of pace.

Mike Clay has them 27th in his positional ranking group lists but I’m not sure I agree with his 28-31 (ARI, BUF, MIA, ATL.)

ETA - page 56

But we’re in the same page here - volume is the key for Johnson to be relevant this year.

 

[Snorkelson]

Sometimes I go back a few years in the dynasty trade thread to see how trades shaped up. David Johnson would be a good case study. 

 

[Snorkelson]

Sometimes I go back a few years in the dynasty trade thread to see how trades shaped up. David Johnson would be a good case study. 

I went to page 450 (may 2019) and it made me want to throw up. I only scrolled through about a dozen posts- not only are the trades ridiculous, the replies/analysis are not taking the side that ultimately won. 

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Heard a podcast this week that described the Texans 2021 backfield as populated by the old (Ingram), the tired (DJ), the decrepit (Burkhead) and the worthless (Lindsey.)

About the only debate is whether they’re the worst RB group in the league, but looking the Jets roster, probably not.

Seems harsh on Lindsey.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Seems harsh on Lindsey.

He’s a good player (but then again I think Justice Hill is a good RB.) Opportunity isn’t there, though, so worthless is about right for redraft manager.

 

[Snorkelson]

Seems harsh on Lindsey.

I agree with the sentiment, I think Lindsey is a quality back in a specific role, but for fantasy purposes he couldn’t have a worse spot. 
 

Houston is a situation where I won’t touch any of them. Maybe someone has an occasional good game, or maybe they show more competence than most of us expect, but I’ll gladly be wrong. I hope Tyrod Taylor gets a chance to start though, I think he deserves his shot. I feel bad for him. He was a decent starter in Buffalo but had no supporting cast and (if memory serves) they drafted ej manual and started him out of the gate, which ended poorly. Then he went to Seattle and lost out to Russel Wilson. Then I think he maybe was in cleveland for the manziel era or maybe when they drafted mayfield? (Without looking it up) Then he gets his shot to start in SD only to have a trainer puncture his lung and lose out to Herbert. Now he ends up on a team that is likely looking to draft a qb early next year, so even if he plays well he might get benched (theoretically).  

 

[tangfoot]

Then he went to Seattle and lost out to Russel Wilson.

Are you thinking of Matt Flynn?

Tyrod began his career as Flacco’s backup in Baltimore, then became the starter in Buffalo

 

[nightmare]

Yeah, M Flynn signed a huge contract and no one believed P Carroll when he said it was an open competition. 

Also T Taylor had some WR's in Buffalo, R Woods, S Watkins, and TE C Clay at least for 1 year.

 

[nightmare]

I'm going to target D Johnson in best balls. If healthy he will be mid to late RB2 in PPR leagues.

 

[menobrown]

Heard a podcast this week that described the Texans 2021 backfield as populated by the old (Ingram), the tired (DJ), the decrepit (Burkhead) and the worthless (Lindsey.)

Read multiple quotes from a Texas beat writer that appeared in multiple articles and q&a's he did in last two weeks here he believes that due to Burkhead's special teams ability that Ingram will be competing for Linsday for a roster spot.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Read multiple quotes from a Texas beat writer that appeared in multiple articles and q&a's he did in last two weeks here he believes that due to Burkhead's special teams ability that Ingram will be competing for Linsday for a roster spot.

I'm seeing DJ drop pretty far in redraft mocks but I imagine he'll climb during PS bc of the allure of potential volume. I don't want anything to do with the Texans backfield this year. I don't necessarily have him on do not draft lists - I don't believe in those, at a certain every player who has starter snaps has some value - but it'd have to be in the double digit rounds and all the other pass catcher backups have been snapped up. I just hate roster cloggers who you never feel comfortable starting + have little upside to offer in the back half of the season.

 

[zamboni]

I'm seeing DJ drop pretty far in redraft mocks but I imagine he'll climb during PS bc of the allure of potential volume. I don't want anything to do with the Texans backfield this year. I don't necessarily have him on do not draft lists - I don't believe in those, at a certain every player who has starter snaps has some value - but it'd have to be in the double digit rounds and all the other pass catcher backups have been snapped up. I just hate roster cloggers who you never feel comfortable starting + have little upside to offer in the back half of the season.

Agree. At some point in many drafts he’ll be a nice value, but I’m willing to let him drop as much as possible. Had him in his glory year and again last year and I don’t need to have him taking up a roster space unless it’s a real value.

 

[Mister CIA]

Drafted DJ mid-2nd in his rookie draft and passed on opportunities to sell high that first year.  I've held since then, and I'm probably not alone.

He'll be competing with Darrell Hendeson and Raheem Moster for startin time this season.  :FM:

 

[jm192]

I sold him for a 3rd after the season.  Best I could get.  Then after all the signings, I'm pretty happy with it.

 

[travdogg]

Drafted DJ mid-2nd in his rookie draft and passed on opportunities to sell high that first year.  I've held since then, and I'm probably not alone.

He'll be competing with Darrell Hendeson and Raheem Moster for startin time this season.  :FM:

I'm not like crazy high on Johnson, but I do think he's a solid RB3 this year, who is likely to be available in rounds 8-9, as a likely RB4.

I highlighted this post in particular, because I LOVE Raheem Mostert this year. He's likely to be going in almost the same area as Johnson, if Sermon gets any buzz. In my opinion, Mostert is a bigger talent than Sermon, and has already proven he can be a high quality player, he just had trouble staying healthy last year, which basically describes like 75% of the 49ers starters last year. Mostert feels like a borderline RB2 to me, available at RB3, at most, prices.

 

[smbkrypt24]

I'm not like crazy high on Johnson, but I do think he's a solid RB3 this year, who is likely to be available in rounds 8-9, as a likely RB4.

I highlighted this post in particular, because I LOVE Raheem Mostert this year. He's likely to be going in almost the same area as Johnson, if Sermon gets any buzz. In my opinion, Mostert is a bigger talent than Sermon, and has already proven he can be a high quality player, he just had trouble staying healthy last year, which basically describes like 75% of the 49ers starters last year. Mostert feels like a borderline RB2 to me, available at RB3, at most, prices.

Pretty spot on.  I drafted him this offseason in a dynasty in round 10.  He is me RB 2/3, but that is because I had stud TE and went WR heavy.

 

[Snorkelson]

Are you thinking of Matt Flynn?

Tyrod began his career as Flacco’s backup in Baltimore, then became the starter in Buffalo

I thought he was in Seattle for a season or two but after looking I guess I was wrong. 

 

[TVT 0 N S T A]

You're probably thinking of Tarvaris Jackson... former Viking.

 

[Faust]

Texans RB David Johnson said taking on his reduced role "in the moment, it’s tough."

“Obviously, as it’s going on, in the moment it’s tough,” Johnson said of taking on a reduced role. “But I think in the long run, it will just help out the team as a whole. Obviously...it might take a little bit longer to figure out what’s going on, figure out different ways to beat the defense and running the ball like that,” he continued, “but other aspects...catching the ball or pass protection, I don’t think so.” Phillip Lindsay notably out-snapped Johnson 8-2 during Tyrod Taylor's 10 snaps with the first-string offense Saturday, ceding both third-down reps to Johnson. With Mark Ingram's role (potentially) secure following an intended healthy scratch during the team's first preseason tryout, Johnson will have to return whatever value he brings to the table exclusively in the passing game rather than on early downs. Reiss adds that Lindsay "might lead the team in carries."

RELATED: 

Phillip Lindsay

SOURCE: The Athletic

Aug 16, 2021, 5:33 PM ET

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I'm avoiding the whole team if I can. Especially him anywhere near his ADP. 

 

[Biabreakable]

Texans RB David Johnson said taking on his reduced role "in the moment, it’s tough."

“Obviously, as it’s going on, in the moment it’s tough,” Johnson said of taking on a reduced role. “But I think in the long run, it will just help out the team as a whole. Obviously...it might take a little bit longer to figure out what’s going on, figure out different ways to beat the defense and running the ball like that,” he continued, “but other aspects...catching the ball or pass protection, I don’t think so.” Phillip Lindsay notably out-snapped Johnson 8-2 during Tyrod Taylor's 10 snaps with the first-string offense Saturday, ceding both third-down reps to Johnson. With Mark Ingram's role (potentially) secure following an intended healthy scratch during the team's first preseason tryout, Johnson will have to return whatever value he brings to the table exclusively in the passing game rather than on early downs. Reiss adds that Lindsay "might lead the team in carries."

RELATED: 

Phillip Lindsay

SOURCE: The Athletic

Aug 16, 2021, 5:33 PM ET

Wow. Good for Lindsey but man how the mighty have fallen.

 

[zamboni]

I'm avoiding the whole team if I can. Especially him anywhere near his ADP. 

I also want no part of David Johnson even if he slips way late in my draft - whatever ship there was has long sailed.

Most feel the same about the whole team, which is why Cooks seems interesting as his ADP. I can still see him producing in this dumpster fire.

 

[Terpman22]

David Johnson seems to be toast. Got him on a roster with a ton of RBs in the only league I got him and its just not worth even trying to trade him at this point. Just gotta hope he gets that one chance and you can trade him off a good week. Unlikely to happen though, IMO

 

[foxco]

David Johnson seems to be toast. Got him on a roster with a ton of RBs in the only league I got him and its just not worth even trying to trade him at this point. Just gotta hope he gets that one chance and you can trade him off a good week. Unlikely to happen though, IMO

Traded him yesterday for a '22 3rd rounder, wanted him off my team and feels good to free up a roster spot. 

 

[Tanner9919]

shhhhhh..don't look now but there's good value on this team , b/c no one wants a Texans player. the offense is loaded with sleeper picks since everyone has given up on them completely . others just flat-out refuse to draft a Hou player. 

 

[Biabreakable]

I also want no part of David Johnson even if he slips way late in my draft - whatever ship there was has long sailed.

Most feel the same about the whole team, which is why Cooks seems interesting as his ADP. I can still see him producing in this dumpster fire.

Cooks always produces. He is pretty QB proof and the Texans are going to be chasing the score in most games.

I might be interested in Lindsey as he seems to be an after thought. I still think Johnson is by far the better receiving RB and the blurb Faust posted suggests he still thinks he can win that role in their offense so maybe its a mess where none of the RB are getting enough opportunities to help you in fantasy with any reliability.

 

[Faust]

David Johnson rushed two times for 11 yards in the Texans' Week 3 loss to the Panthers. 

Amazingly, Johnson was not targeted in the passing game even though the Texans desperately needed some layup looks with rookie Davis Mills making his first NFL start. The coaching staff must have come to the sensible conclusion that any RB targets would have been instantly blown up by a Panthers defense understandably camping out on the box. Sitting on 16 total touches through three games, Johnson has given zero indication he is prepared to provide FLEX value in any format of fantasy. The Bills are a wasteland of a Week 4 matchup. 

Sep 24, 2021, 12:08 AM ET

 

[BobbyLayne]

I sometimes forget he’s still in the league. Wasn’t it last week I was drafting him in the top ten?

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

So in a 0-100, where Kerryon Johnson is a 100 because he's on the 49ers and nobody in my league will touch him, how cooked is David Johnson?

A dynasty team that named their franchise after him in 2018 cut the cord last night.   That might answer the question posed, but I was actually surprised that his efficiency numbers were as good as they were last season.  However, I'm not sure that reflects the eye ball test?

I don't think he will be of any value in Houston.  Is there enough remaining that a contender could trade for him and give him some run?    I'm thinking Peyton Barber is the better stash, but don't want to be kicking myself if Johnson gets traded to the Ravens, 49ers, or Rams and actually looks like a solid fantasy RB3.

 

[That one guy]

So in a 0-100, where Kerryon Johnson is a 100 because he's on the 49ers and nobody in my league will touch him, how cooked is David Johnson?

A dynasty team that named their franchise after him in 2018 cut the cord last night.   That might answer the question posed, but I was actually surprised that his efficiency numbers were as good as they were last season.  However, I'm not sure that reflects the eye ball test?

I don't think he will be of any value in Houston.  Is there enough remaining that a contender could trade for him and give him some run?    I'm thinking Peyton Barber is the better stash, but don't want to be kicking myself if Johnson gets traded to the Ravens, 49ers, or Rams and actually looks like a solid fantasy RB3.

*obligatory “perfect for the Pats” suggestion*

can’t even tell what HOU is trying or not trying to do.  Play conservative and only barely lose, play aggressive and lose because team just isn’t that good, or tank and get that 1.01

i mean, regardless of option, they’re not using any of their 3 RBs effectively and DJ should at least have PPR flex value in a sane world…but this is HOU

 

[zamboni]

I think if DJ had more left than some ability in the passing game, he’d be getting more run. I’m guessing the only reason he’s still on the team is that cutting him would make the Hopkins trade look that much worse.

It was a great one year run…

 

[Mister CIA]

I think David Johnson still has NFL talent.  Why an RB needy team would not offer a 7th rounder for DJ, and why Houston would not accept, is probably a reflection on the Houston front office.

 

[Cobbler1]

Let’s get this hype train rolling again! I’m here for the 14/48 with 5/28 through the air lines. Give me a td here and there and I’m happy. Can this happen? Dolphins, Chargers, Jags, Titans, Jets defenses on tap as a potential 3 down back. I think he can have a decent enough floor to plug in with some upside. 

 

[jobarules]

Let’s get this hype train rolling again! I’m here for the 14/48 with 5/28 through the air lines. Give me a td here and there and I’m happy. Can this happen? Dolphins, Chargers, Jags, Titans, Jets defenses on tap as a potential 3 down back. I think he can have a decent enough floor to plug in with some upside. 

Agreed. I picked him up for free in 2 leagues

 Could be a solid RB2 down the stretch. Won some championship games last year for people. Not sure what the Texans fascination with Ingram was. He was washed up. Johnson isn't the same player but he's better than Ingram.

 

[creepythinman]

With Tyrod on the verge of coming back, Houston might actually look competent on offense.

 

[Stat Correction]

Better than a sharp stick in the eye, I suppose, but Phillip Lindsay will likely neutralize any potential upside.

 

[brewer]

Cut him last week, don't regret it.  Good luck to those still holding out hope.

 

[Hartliner]

Picked him up in all leagues and see him worth a stash at the end of my bench.

Flex appeal moving forward is reasonable and at best a low end RB2. Lindsay from what I hear might be the 1-2 down player, but this team will be in perpetual catch up mode and David Johnson looks like the perfect safety valve going forward.  

If we take the avg 14 touches per game from Ingram this season and split it 50/50 that's 7 more touches for DJ and Lindsay. If they work in Burkhead lets say it's 4-5 extra touches. That's a pretty sizable upgrade and if Tyrod comes back expect more of these.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1437109223595200516?ref_src=twsrc^tfw|twcamp^tweetembed|twterm^1437109223595200516|twgr^|twcon^s1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftexanswire.usatoday.com%2F2021%2F09%2F12%2Ftexans-tyrod-taylor-touchdown-pass-david-johnson%2F

 

[oddsbodkins]

Taking a shot on him as well... at least trying to buy low.

 

[Faust]

Aaron Wilson of SportsTalk 790 writes that the Texans are "expected to feature David Johnson" following Mark Ingram's trade to the Saints.

Before you go gung-ho with putting Johnson into an RB2 tier or something, note that Ingram's workload generally led to about 20-40 rushing yards and Johnson has not been a good runner when featured by the Texans. That said, yes, Johnson getting a share of Ingram's snaps would put him back on the fantasy radar. Johnson already has been the snap leader in Houston's backfield for the last four weeks -- if he gets up from the mid-50's into the 70s, he'll be viable in a FLEX role. 

SOURCE: SportsTalk 790

Oct 28, 2021, 3:33 PM ET

 

[tigerz]

Riding this train. Hoping for flex floor to ride through byes. Can't ignore any RB with volume. especially when they this cheap.

 

[Weebs210]

Not many free starting rbs come around this late. Would be foolish not to grab him.

 

[Faust]

Texans RB David Johnson anticipating more carries after Mark Ingram trade

 

[The Frankman]

David Johnson rushed four times for 11 yards in The Texans' Week 9 loss to the Dolphins, adding three catches for 29 yards. 

Johnson is a receiving fullback playing running back, except he was at fault for a whiffed block on one of Tyrod Taylor's picks so he's not even living up to the blocking part of that description. Johnson did make a Dolphins defender miss in the open field on one of his catches, but this is more of the same. Johnson has six carries in two games since reports that he would be "featured' surfaced. The ship has sailed. 

- NBC SportsEDGE

 

[Sunday Gravy]

Texans RB David Johnson anticipating more carries after Mark Ingram trade

 

[Faust]

David Johnson (illness/thigh) did not practice Thursday.

A bug going around the Texans building has kept us from understanding if Johnson's thigh injury, presumably sustained during the team's loss on Sunday, is serious or not. At this point Johnson has to be considered questionable-at-best for Sunday's game against the Colts, which would seem to implicate Rex Burkhead for a big volume role given Royce Freeman's lack of involvement last week. 

SOURCE: Aaron Wilson on Twitter

Dec 2, 2021, 1:55 PM ET

 

[Faust]

David Johnson (illness, thigh) is questionable for Week 13 against the Colts.

Johnson, also battling a thigh injury, was one of four players with non-COVID illnesses that inevitably forced the Texans to skip practice on Wednesday. Having failed to practice at any point ahead of Sunday, Johnson's pending status may force the Texans to lean on Rex Burkhead as an every-down back.

SOURCE: Texans PR on Twitter

Dec 3, 2021, 3:50 PM ET

 

[Faust]

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports David Johnson (illness) is not expected to play in Week 13 against the Colts.

Johnson is also dealing with a thigh issue. He did not practice all week making his inevitable absence expected. With Phillip Lindsay and Mark Ingram sent packing plus Scottie Phillips on injured reserve, Rex Burkhead is the only member of Houston's backfield with a carry in a Texans jersey. Royce Freeman, who joined the Texans after Carolina waived him, will back up Burkhead, who now projects for volume-based RB3 numbers. 

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Dec 5, 2021, 9:00 AM ET

 

[Faust]

David Johnson (illness/thigh) is inactive for Houston's Week 13 game against the Colts. 

As expected. It should be a Rex Burkhead day in the backfield with Royce Freeman and possibly the elevated Jaylen Samuels picking up the rest. Also inactive for the Texans are TE Jordan Akins, OL Justin McCray (concussion), LB Zach Cunningham (surprise David Culley punishment?), DB Terrence Brooks (hamstring), "TE" Jeff Driskel, and QB Deshaun Watson. 

Dec 5, 2021, 11:34 AM ET

 

[Faust]

David Johnson (thigh, illness) is practicing in full for Week 14 against the Seahawks. 

It looks like Johnson's absence will be limited to one game. Rex Burkhead was positively dreadful during Johnson's Week 13 breather, but Johnson's return doesn't exactly shake things up in a positive way for Houston. Both backs will be barely-there RB4s who 12-14 team leaguers should only be starting in the tightest of binds. 

RELATED: 

Rex Burkhead

Dec 9, 2021, 7:24 PM ET