Riser: RB Roschon Johnson, Texas
At first, it was tough to get past Texas running back Roschon Johnson being a backup. It feels tough to grade a backup highly, even when the guy in front of them—in this case, Bijan Robinson—may be a top-five player in the entire class.
But the more I study the Texas offense, the sillier I realize that inhibition is.
Johnson is a bruiser. He's listed at 6'2" and 222 pounds, which is roughly the same as Bijan Robinson (6'0", 222 lbs). But Johnson plays with an even meaner streak.
Johnson runs violently downhill, pressing straight forward with powerful strides that make defenders question whether they really want to bring him down. Upon contact, he fights like hell to bounce and shed defenders, which regularly helps him squeeze out extra yardage.
Additionally, Johnson has just enough speed and wiggle to make him more than just late-stage Michael Turner. He's never going to be a home run hitter or a true threat in space, but he can do just enough to round out his game and let his dominant traits shine.
Johnson won't go nearly as high as Robinson in the draft. Regardless, the Longhorns backup could turn into a real-deal starter in the NFL, at least as an early-down back.
— Derrik Klassen
Matt Miller @nfldraftscout
I'm not being a Texas fanboy when I say this...
Roschon Johnson has ALL the tools to be a starting NFL running back. I'm expecting a huge Senior Bowl week and even bigger Combine from him
Matt FF Dynasty @MattFFDynasty
Just to warn you all, this is likely going to become a ROSCHON JOHNSON fan page this offseason!
6’2”
220 lbs
2022 (Texas)
Rush: 93/554/5 (Avg: 6.0 Yds)
Rec: 14/128/1 (Avg: 9.1 Yds)
45 Missed Tackles Force!
4.28 Yards After Contact Per Attempt
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Brentley Weissman @Brentley12
Just wrote up Texas RB Roschon Johnson. A big back who flashes really impressive patience, vision, short area quickness, and power. Has a complete skill set to be a starter in the NFL. His reps as a pass blocker are
#NFLDraft #Hookem
Jacob Infante @jacobinfante24
If the #Bears want a mid-round RB to complement Khalil Herbert in the 2023 draft, I’d love Roschon Johnson from Texas.
Big runner who’s explosive, powerful and is a good pass blocker. Bijan Robinson may be the star, but Roschon’s a stud in his own right.
Nick Martin @themicknartin
A really interesting stat that caught my eye, per PFF, Texas backup RB Roschon Johnson forced 45 missed tackles on only 94 attempts!
This was probably the most absurd run of his Texas career, which occured in the Alamo Bowl vs Colorado in 2020.
Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
During an impressive first day at the Senior Bowl, #Texas RB Roschon Johnson broke a bone in his hand at the beginning of practice, source said. He played through it, but likely won’t be able to participate the rest of the week.
Johnson is a potential Day 2 pick.
Willie Lutz @Willie_Lutz
I’m not opposed to the Bengals targeting either Texas running back in this draft.
As tremendous as Bijan Robinson is, Roschon Johnson is a stud, certainly has bell cow potential.
Averaged 6.0 per carry and 9.1 yard per catch as RB2 at Texas last season.
Under the radar a bit but this guy looks legit.
Love the idea of him for sure. It’s just such a limited workload. Hard to say if he can translate to 200 NFL touches. I’m interested though.Under the radar a bit but this guy looks legit.
oh he's def legit
if he's really under the radar it won't be for long - PFF has him as their RB9 in their 317 page Draft Guide
- forced missed tackles 45% of rushing attempts, 1st in the country over the last two years (min. 190 attempts)
- 2022 he forced 46 missed tackles in 94 attempts lol
- 6'2", 222, good stiff arm (he looks long, too)
- great contact balance & just keeps churning
- won't win too many foot races but outstanding short yardage power back
Love the idea of him for sure. It’s just such a limited workload. Hard to say if he can translate to 200 NFL touches. I’m interested though.Under the radar a bit but this guy looks legit.
oh he's def legit
if he's really under the radar it won't be for long - PFF has him as their RB9 in their 317 page Draft Guide
- forced missed tackles 45% of rushing attempts, 1st in the country over the last two years (min. 190 attempts)
- 2022 he forced 46 missed tackles in 94 attempts lol
- 6'2", 222, good stiff arm (he looks long, too)
- great contact balance & just keeps churning
- won't win too many foot races but outstanding short yardage power back
True though when taking a thumper in a Williams role, if he can’t get close to 200 touches then he probably isn’t too useful for fantasy.Love the idea of him for sure. It’s just such a limited workload. Hard to say if he can translate to 200 NFL touches. I’m interested though.Under the radar a bit but this guy looks legit.
oh he's def legit
if he's really under the radar it won't be for long - PFF has him as their RB9 in their 317 page Draft Guide
- forced missed tackles 45% of rushing attempts, 1st in the country over the last two years (min. 190 attempts)
- 2022 he forced 46 missed tackles in 94 attempts lol
- 6'2", 222, good stiff arm (he looks long, too)
- great contact balance & just keeps churning
- won't win too many foot races but outstanding short yardage power back
That seems pretty optimistic for the RB9 / Day 3 pick
He reminds me of Jamaal from a running perspective - he'll be the thumper in a RBBC not a bell cow
I like him a lot. He’s a really good player. Landing spot / draft capital will be interesting.inb4 biggest mover up the boards after the combine
I wish I could draft him right now in rookie drafts rd 2 late
Ric Serritella @ The NFL Draft Bible
NATIONAL: RB Roschon Johnson, Texas
The spotlight was on #BijanRobinson this season, which overshadowed the pure talent of #RoschonJohnson . He has a chance to make a big-time rise in his NFL Draft stock.
He was beating linebackers in one-on-one pass-catching drills and showed off his footwork in position drills. Make sure you know who Johnson is when the clock starts on the 2023 NFL Draft.
Scout Take: Johnson is a powerful back who showcases blocking skills, contact balance, footwork, patience, and upside as a pass catcher, but he lacks the dynamic agility, burst, elusiveness, and lateral movement to warrant a top 64 draft selection.
Jon Helmkamp @JonHelmkamp
If Bijan Robinson didn't exist, we would be talking about Roschon Johnson a LOT more. 6'2" 220 lbs back with speed, physicality, agility, and receiving ability.
More of a plus-sized Ladanian Tomlinson.Latavius Murray?
Hayden Winks @HaydenWinks
Roschon Johnson had an 86th percentile 10-yard split (burst) at 219 pounds. I liked his tape more than most RBs in this class. He will last in the NFL.
Akash Bhatia
His other drills were poor
Hayden Winks @HaydenWinks
62nd percentile broad
30th percentile weight adjusted 40
he's fine
Is that size adjusted? His RAS score came out decent. Similar to Dameon Pierce which is probably best case scenario for Ro.Athleticism not so great, actually. 30th percentile is way below average, and his highlights look it, if you ask me.
Is that size adjusted?
I might draft him just for the name.
Athleticism not so great, actually. 30th percentile is way below average, and his highlights look it, if you ask me.
I saw his name and saw Roscoe. I've always loved that name.I might draft him just for the name.
I might switch to IDP just so I can draft some of the names in this draft...
- SirVocea Dennis LB Pittsburgh
- YaYa Diaby ED Louisville
- Starling Thomas V CB UAB
- Carrington Valentine CB Kentucky
- Moro Ojomo DI Texas
- DeMarvion Overshown LB Texas
- Habakkuk Baldonado ED Pittsburgh
- Kyu Blu Kelly CB Stanford
- Henry To'oTo'o LB Alabama
- Adetomiwa Adebawore ED Northwestern
These can’t all be real. At least half of these are key & Peele, right?
- SirVocea Dennis LB Pittsburgh
- YaYa Diaby ED Louisville
- Starling Thomas V CB UAB
- Carrington Valentine CB Kentucky
- Moro Ojomo DI Texas
- DeMarvion Overshown LB Texas
- Habakkuk Baldonado ED Pittsburgh
- Kyu Blu Kelly CB Stanford
- Henry To'oTo'o LB Alabama
- Adetomiwa Adebawore ED Northwestern
These can’t all be real. At least half of these are key & Peele, right?
- SirVocea Dennis LB Pittsburgh
- YaYa Diaby ED Louisville
- Starling Thomas V CB UAB
- Carrington Valentine CB Kentucky
- Moro Ojomo DI Texas
- DeMarvion Overshown LB Texas
- Habakkuk Baldonado ED Pittsburgh
- Kyu Blu Kelly CB Stanford
- Henry To'oTo'o LB Alabama
- Adetomiwa Adebawore ED Northwestern
We'll see what the NFL has to say about that. After draft day, I don't think anyone, even those obviously trying to be contrarians, can legitimately make that case with a straight face.Bijan <<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>> Roschon
Weird to reply to the post removing the context. Almost makes a guy think your effort is disingenuous.We'll see what the NFL has to say about that. After draft day, I don't think anyone, even those obviously trying to be contrarians, can legitimately make that case with a straight face.Bijan <<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>> Roschon
Kent Lee Plate @MathBomb
Roschon Johnson is a RB prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 8.64 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 223 out of 1634 RB from 1987 to 2023. ras.football/ras-informatio… #RAS
NFL Rookie Watch @NFLRookieWatxh
Roschon Johnson is a TANK
Johnson is reportedly drawing “buzz” of potentially coming off the board in the second round of the Draft.
Johnson put up over 2,000 yards and 20 TD’s across his career at Texas.
Nick @EatenJk
@CecilLammey Pacheco 2.0?
Cecil Lammey @CecilLammey
I like him more...and you know how much I blabbed about Pacheco last year
These can’t all be real. At least half of these are key & Peele, right?
- SirVocea Dennis LB Pittsburgh
- YaYa Diaby ED Louisville
- Starling Thomas V CB UAB
- Carrington Valentine CB Kentucky
- Moro Ojomo DI Texas
- DeMarvion Overshown LB Texas
- Habakkuk Baldonado ED Pittsburgh
- Kyu Blu Kelly CB Stanford
- Henry To'oTo'o LB Alabama
- Adetomiwa Adebawore ED Northwestern
I want the Niners to draft Juice Scruggs very much. I do not care if he can play.These can’t all be real. At least half of these are key & Peele, right?
- SirVocea Dennis LB Pittsburgh
- YaYa Diaby ED Louisville
- Starling Thomas V CB UAB
- Carrington Valentine CB Kentucky
- Moro Ojomo DI Texas
- DeMarvion Overshown LB Texas
- Habakkuk Baldonado ED Pittsburgh
- Kyu Blu Kelly CB Stanford
- Henry To'oTo'o LB Alabama
- Adetomiwa Adebawore ED Northwestern
Not sure how I overlooked
Juice Scruggs C Penn State
https://www.nbcsports.com/video/nfl-draft-2023-rb-rankings-roschon-johnson-texasWe'll see what the NFL has to say about that. After draft day, I don't think anyone, even those obviously trying to be contrarians, can legitimately make that case with a straight face.Bijan <<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>> Roschon
I want the Niners to draft Juice Scruggs very much. I do not care if he can play.These can’t all be real. At least half of these are key & Peele, right?
- SirVocea Dennis LB Pittsburgh
- YaYa Diaby ED Louisville
- Starling Thomas V CB UAB
- Carrington Valentine CB Kentucky
- Moro Ojomo DI Texas
- DeMarvion Overshown LB Texas
- Habakkuk Baldonado ED Pittsburgh
- Kyu Blu Kelly CB Stanford
- Henry To'oTo'o LB Alabama
- Adetomiwa Adebawore ED Northwestern
Not sure how I overlooked
Juice Scruggs C Penn State