RB D'Ernest Johnson, ARZ (1 Viewer)

[ahartig]

Never seen this kid before and I understand that Denver isn't very good and Cleveland is RB heaven but I am impressed with this kid.

Seems to have above average vision, balance and has been very tough to bring down. I don't think I have seen him go down in first contact all night.

Agreed. Very Chubb-like in getting the extra 3-5 yards out of nothing. And he can catch…. I wonder if he takes over the Hunt role once Chubb is back. 

 

[joffer]

who is this guy

 

[Army Eye]

Who's better?  Chubb (with Hunt)  or D'ernest Johnson with no Hunt?

 

[joffer]

Cle O-line dominant tonight too

 

[ahartig]

Cle O-line dominant tonight too

D’ernest earned those yards. He bounced so many runs to the outside when the middle was clogged. 

 

[Faust]

D'Ernest Johnson rushed 22 times for 146 yards and a touchdown in the Browns' Week 7 win over the Broncos, adding two receptions for 22 additional yards. 

Making an emergency start in place of the injured 1A/1B tandem of Nick Chubb (calf) and Kareem Hunt (calf), Johnson rushed for the fifth most yards of any player in the NFL this season. Infamous for his 4.81 40-yard dash at his USF Pro Day in 2018, Johnson looked nothing like the sluggish back that number would suggest. He did provide the power you would hope for from a 5-foot-10, 208-pound bruiser, dragging tacklers and pushing the pile all night long against a Broncos defense that entered the evening allowing the fourth fewest rushing yards in the league. Johnson appeared to have a second score on a 3rd-and-2 from the Broncos' 15-yard line with 1:13 remaining, but A. He went down on purpose instead of going into the end zone to run clock. B. Had the run called back by an illegal motion penalty. Unfazed, Johnson iced the game one play later where he gained eight on a 3rd-and-7. Also wildly successful when forced into 2020 spot duty, Johnson is officially A Thing in the NFL's most talented backfield. Of course, he will immediately revert to No. 2 status if Chubb can return for Week 8 against the Steelers. Hunt will miss at least two more games on injured reserve, however, and we know the No. 2 back provides standalone value in this backfield. 

Oct 21, 2021, 11:18 PM ET

 

[Bracie Smathers]

One-cut and go.

He is made for this offense, perfect compliment to the offensive line blocking scheme but...

when Chubb and Hunt come back ...

 

[beer 30]

Pray? Really hard?

Baker can't throw the ball for #### right now (torn labrum in non throwing shoulder), his leading WR's are possibly out, both starting tackles are out, both starting RB's are out and our defense can't stop anyone with any semblance of a gameplan. They will probably lean on Johnson & Felton but unless it's your only option, I'd steer clear of the Cleveland offense until after they come back from the Denver game. It's pretty bad right now.

Sorry guys, it appears I know nothing. #GOBROWNS

 

[Bracie Smathers]

You HAVE to love this guy

 

[Pickle Rody]

Picked him up for nothing on waivers this morning. Won't start him and unlikely to use him at all this year but, other teams in the league are desperate at RB and playing keep-away seems a decent strategy right now. I am a Chubb owner but, I drafted back-up RB's fairly well and have enough in the stable to just sit on D'Ernest a week or two.

Ended up starting him. Cannot take all the credit for making that decision. League Dominator helped. 

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

With the huge bye situation this week, those that added and started this guy last night may have taken huge strides to win themselves a championship.

 

[SoBeDad]

You HAVE to love this guy

Great video. Even coached by 74-year old Steve Spurrier of the Orlando Apollos in 2019. Never gave up his dream. Not sure what happens if/when Chubb & Hunt come back, but he passes the eye test and advanced analytics:

>>D'Ernest Johnson was impressive in his first career start, gaining a career-high +53 rushing yards over expected. Johnson outgained his expectation on 15 of his 22 carries (68.2%), the 2nd-highest rate in a game since 2018 (min. 20 carries).<<

https://mobile.twitter.com/NextGenStats/status/1451387875497431041

 

[JohnnyU]

Great game, but short lived when Chubb and / or Hunt returns.  Picked him up in several leagues last week before Hunt went on IR, played in two, sold in one, benched in another.

 

[leave a whisper]

who is this guy

Atlanta's starting RB next year ......... 

 

[Dizzy]

Nothing beats fresh legs 6-7 weeks into the season. Congrats to those that scooped and played him last night.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

Nothing beats fresh legs 6-7 weeks into the season. Congrats to those that scooped and played him last night.

Not only that but it was a Thursday game so the defensive legs were extra "tired".

That's not to downplay what he did - and I'm glad I started him in a week where I'm devastated with byes and injuries but the thought about "fresh legs" did cross my mind watching the game.

 

[SoBeDad]

Great video. Even coached by 74-year old Steve Spurrier of the Orlando Apollos in 2019. Never gave up his dream. Not sure what happens if/when Chubb & Hunt come back, but he passes the eye test and advanced analytics:

>>D'Ernest Johnson was impressive in his first career start, gaining a career-high +53 rushing yards over expected. Johnson outgained his expectation on 15 of his 22 carries (68.2%), the 2nd-highest rate in a game since 2018 (min. 20 carries).<<

https://mobile.twitter.com/NextGenStats/status/1451387875497431041

And 90.6 pff grade. Is that more than just fresh legs?

 

[BobbyLayne]

And 90.6 pff grade. Is that more than just fresh legs?

He looked good last night. Looked good last year in limited work. Definitely one of the more talented 3rd string RBs in the league, Does a great job of reading the play and bouncing outside or cutting back. The line is of course very good but I don’t hunk this was just a guy getting what was there. He was quick and decisive.

 

[rschroeder1]

I'm going to try to remember last night for a long time when making 50/50 calls of who to pick up.  The most common word I heard from people analyzing Johnson was "plodder."  My guess is this comes more from his Combine or pro-day 40 score (which I believe was 4.81) than anything else, as he looked like anything but a plodder last night.

I don't mean that as criticism; it's just that I'm not someone who is going to go back and watch old college tape (nor do I believe I can adequately analyze something like that) so I rely to an extent on the varied perspectives one finds online.  I guess my takeaway is that for an unknown player, it's nearly impossible to shake a label in the fantasy community until they actually do it.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Well that was impressive. 

i guess I’ll keep him on my dynasty roster for a while longer. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Atlanta's starting RB next year ......... 

lort I hope so. 

 

[Timmay]

Impressive even though he had some gapping holes to run through at times. Love his story and hope he has success moving forward. I hate it that he is stuck behind Chubb and Hunt and won't get continued run.  

 

[JohnnyU]

Impressive even though he had some gapping holes to run through at times. 

I watched the game and didn't see that at all.  He made great cuts and ran with burst once he saw a lane.  His vision is what stood out to me.  There wasn't any gaping holes that I saw.  

 

[angman]

Atlanta's starting RB next year ......... 

Only one game for Johnson (could say 2 given the Dallas game last year), but the guy does have some juice. With Cleveland having to pay Baker (or a different QB), could we see a situation where they trade Hunt next year which would save $6.25M on the cap according to OverTheCap, and it's D'Ernest as the backup to Chubb?

Maybe it's Kareem who is the one starting somewhere else next year...

 

[Timmay]

I watched the game and didn't see that at all.  He made great cuts and ran with burst once he saw a lane.  There wasn't any gaping holes that I saw.

Johnson did make great cuts and had burst, I'm not trying to take anything away from him, but I watched the game too and I think otherwise about the holes lol. There were times when a Denver defender was no where near Johnson for 3-4 yards. The first drive alone besides the TD run he didnt get touched for 6-8 yards. Browns O-line did a great job last night especially the first and last drives of the game. 

 

[zed2283]

Thanks to everyone in the thread who convinced me this guy wasn't worth a look! 

 

[rschroeder1]

Only one game for Johnson (could say 2 given the Dallas game last year), but the guy does have some juice. With Cleveland having to pay Baker (or a different QB), could we see a situation where they trade Hunt next year which would save $6.25M on the cap according to OverTheCap, and it's D'Ernest as the backup to Chubb?

Maybe it's Kareem who is the one starting somewhere else next year...

I'm holding Johnson on my keeper team for this reason.  For what it's worth, Johnson is an RFA himself after this season.  Whether another team would be interested and offer a contract beyond what the Browns would counter will clearly depend on his output for the remainder of the season.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Thanks to everyone in the thread who convinced me this guy wasn't worth a look! 

homers convinced me to pass even though coming into the year I had him pegged as a must own if either guy went down. I’m pretty set at RB so NBD but dang $16 would have won him in my league.

 

[JohnnyU]

homers convinced me to pass even though coming into the year I had him pegged as a must own if either guy went down. I’m pretty set at RB so NBD but dang $16 would have won him in my league.

I got him for free in 5 leagues because I was a week early.

 

[Faust]

Dan Pizzuta @DanPizzuta

Per @NextGenStats, D'Ernest Johnson has 43 rushing yards over expectation and 68.8% of his carries have more rushing yards than expected tonight.

https://twitter.com/danpizzuta/status/1451384659485593600?s=21

 

[FreeBaGeL]

With the huge bye situation this week, those that added and started this guy last night may have taken huge strides to win themselves a championship.

Starting a RB in line to get the majority of the workload behind this line is just about the easiest start/sit decision possible.

This is Cowboys 2015-2016 line play.

 

[The Dude]

I was hoping to be able to release the guy next week but he looks startable up until hunt comes back, doesn’t he?

 

[ahartig]

I was hoping to be able to release the guy next week but he looks startable up until hunt comes back, doesn’t he?

I agree

 

[dkp993]

I was hoping to be able to release the guy next week but he looks startable up until hunt comes back, doesn’t he?

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I was hoping to be able to release the guy next week but he looks startable up until hunt comes back, doesn’t he?

Browns seem to like rotating backs to some extent and the Hunt role has real value in this offense.  Hunt was a fantasy RB1 last year and this year in that role.

 

[ahartig]

Browns seem to like rotating backs to some extent and the Hunt role has real value in this offense.  Hunt was a fantasy RB1 last year and this year in that role.

Yup. I’d be shocked if he wasn't a solid flex play until hunt is back. I doubt hunt is back before the week 13 bye

 

[ahartig]

You HAVE to love this guy

Wow. Thank you for sharing those. What a great story. Really hope he lands a nice deal somewhere. 

 

[UFFLCommish]

What a great story. I'll be rooting for him. Glad I was able to get him in one league this week.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Impressive even though he had some gapping holes to run through at times. 

I watched the game and didn't see that at all.  He made great cuts and ran with burst once he saw a lane.  His vision is what stood out to me.  There wasn't any gaping holes that I saw.  

He was patient, used great vision, made instant-correct decisions, and milked every tough yard that he could.

---------------------------------------

Brian Baldinger@BaldyNFL

@DernestJohnson2 goes for + 10 v the dreaded 8 man front. Great patience and vision from this SoFla Bull. #BaldysBreakdowns

LINK to video clip

 

[oddsbodkins]

I think he's a hold past this week as well. Possible they decide to err on the side of caution and rest Chubb a little more?

 

[eoMMan]

Just read he's originally from Immokalee, FL. Makes me want to root for him even more. Hope he gets more chances to play in the future whether it's with Cleveland or another team.

 

[Pickle Rody]

Chubb owner here. Lost my clear RB2 Dobbins early and had been basically just trying to fill that slot with decent draft picks of backup RB's. Selected D. Williams and Hubbard in my draft, both of which have started for me this year. Tried to get the Hunt owner to trade him to me as I felt, and still do, that starting both Chubb & Hunt wouldn't be a bad strategy each week. Couldn't make that trade happen. Now, I'm glad I couldn't. When Chubb gets back I'll heavily consider starting Johnson along side him.

 

[ahartig]

From Stefanski presser today:

On how to utilize Johnson when other Browns RBs return from injury:

“Again, we will see who is available to us. We want all of our good players to touch the rock, and it is our job to put those guys in position to succeed. It is something that we talk about a lot. It is a good problem to have when you have multiple guys who you believe in.”

If I had to guess, D'ernest gets 10-14 touches per game with hunt out 

 

[JohnnyU]

From Stefanski presser today:

On how to utilize Johnson when other Browns RBs return from injury:

“Again, we will see who is available to us. We want all of our good players to touch the rock, and it is our job to put those guys in position to succeed. It is something that we talk about a lot. It is a good problem to have when you have multiple guys who you believe in.”

If I had to guess, D'ernest gets 10-14 touches per game with hunt out 

I'm guessing after both Chubb and Hunt are back the wheels will be removed and a tarp thrown over him until possibly needed again.  Classic case of sell high unless you own Chubb and / or Hunt.

 

[Team Smokin']

Chubb owner here. Lost my clear RB2 Dobbins early and had been basically just trying to fill that slot with decent draft picks of backup RB's. Selected D. Williams and Hubbard in my draft, both of which have started for me this year. Tried to get the Hunt owner to trade him to me as I felt, and still do, that starting both Chubb & Hunt wouldn't be a bad strategy each week. Couldn't make that trade happen. Now, I'm glad I couldn't. When Chubb gets back I'll heavily consider starting Johnson along side him.

From Stefanski presser today:

On how to utilize Johnson when other Browns RBs return from injury:

“Again, we will see who is available to us. We want all of our good players to touch the rock, and it is our job to put those guys in position to succeed. It is something that we talk about a lot. It is a good problem to have when you have multiple guys who you believe in.”

If I had to guess, D'ernest gets 10-14 touches per game with hunt out 

Chubb owner who acquired Hunt in one league, Hunt in another league, and D'Ernest in another. I'm holding D'Earnest with just Chubb returning and see what happens once Hunt returns in like 3-4 weeks. D'Ernest took us by storm. Like Troy Aikmen said paraphrasing, teams will be inquiring about D'Earnest Johnson. Traded CEH for Hunt and traded J Connor for Hunt. 

 

[MAC_32]

Like Troy Aikmen said paraphrasing, teams will be inquiring about D'Earnest Johnson. 

I think the trade offer would need to be too good to refuse. I think the more likely scenario is all 3 are kept for 2021, Hunt is cut/traded in the offseason, D'Ernest gets the RFA tag, and they shop for a new RB3. That would save about $3m.

 

[Stat Correction]

What in the heck do we do with this guy? Chubb is back, and D'Ernest doesn't profile as a Hunt replacement.

Oh, he'll definitely get a few carries to spell Chubb.....but Chubb is da man.

Shame to even ask after what he showed last week, but is he a definite hold? Benches are short, and he strikes me as a Dillon/Mattison-type player now. Great upside in the event of an injury to the entrenched starter....but not much more

 

[Bracie Smathers]

... is he a definite hold? Benches are short, and he strikes me as a Dillon/Mattison-type player now. Great upside in the event of an injury to the entrenched starter....but not much more

Hunt is out for another 4 to 5 weeks, D'Enernest isn't the sort of 3rd down pass-catcher Hunt is but he has pass-pro abilities so he will get used and he's a perfect fit for the run and blocking schemes.  

Add he's a solid dynasty hold since he will be sought after by other teams as a RFA.

If you have short benches I think this week he is a firm hold since he will be used and we don't know if Chubb will be eased back.

I will note that last week Denver was on a short-week on the road so they had little time to prepare and they were more concerned about Landry and Beckham in their game-plan as they began in a two-high safety look which made sense considering Hunt and Chubb were out but it left the running lanes wide-open and the bulk of Johnson's production came early against that look.

This week against Pittsburgh the Steelers will load the front to stop the run and dare Keenum to beat them deep with his noodle arm.

 

[Faust]

'This guy wants this too bad': How Browns RB D'Ernest Johnson went from a fishing boat to the NFL

 

[-OZ-]

Hunt is out for another 4 to 5 weeks, D'Enernest isn't the sort of 3rd down pass-catcher Hunt is but he has pass-pro abilities so he will get used and he's a perfect fit for the run and blocking schemes.  

Add he's a solid dynasty hold since he will be sought after by other teams as a RFA.

If you have short benches I think this week he is a firm hold since he will be used and we don't know if Chubb will be eased back.

I will note that last week Denver was on a short-week on the road so they had little time to prepare and they were more concerned about Landry and Beckham in their game-plan as they began in a two-high safety look which made sense considering Hunt and Chubb were out but it left the running lanes wide-open and the bulk of Johnson's production came early against that look.

This week against Pittsburgh the Steelers will load the front to stop the run and dare Keenum to beat them deep with his noodle arm.

That’s my concern here. I’ll start mckissic and dalvin cook (duh) on one team but not real confident about either Darrell or javonte Williams on the other