David Johnson article

[BigRedRage]

some gifs and analysis, good read.

http://sportsnaut.com/2015/05/arizo...johnson-is-best-value-pick-of-2015-nfl-draft/

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Shaun Church brings up some good points and backs it up with video. Really like this pick and if he can step in day 1 and be our go to RB it will really open up the offense.

His pass blocking looks good and he steps into his blocks.

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Running back David Johnson, the third-round pick, looked versatile in last week's minicamp.

"Very, very bright," Arians said. "The kid can do anything as far as a wide receiver, running back, fullback. He will find a niche quick because he can learn so much.

"And he was a good kickoff return guy. I like where our return game is, with (receiver) Britt Golden and those guys. We should be better there."

Link.

 

[Mitch]

Good article! I went back and watched David Johnson at the Senior Bowl and he actually ran a lot tougher than I initially sensed. For a big RB he's got a very good juke move and while he prefers to use a stiff-arm rather than lower his pad level, he gets forward finishes on his runs---even the two times he got hit in the redzone a yard shy of the line of scrimmage.

 

[Russ Smith]

My biggest concern with him is his usage in college, over 1000 carries plus catching the ball and returning kicks.

 

[JCSunsfan]

My biggest concern with him is his usage in college, over 1000 carries plus catching the ball and returning kicks.

No injury history, which is a good sign.

 

[Cheesebeef]

man I hope this guy is the goods. if he is, with a healthy Ellington, the addition of what's-his-nuts from SF... if Cooper can just be average, this team will have a very good running game which can only open up things for Palmer and our downfield offense.

 

[Harry]

Keep in mind he had little quality coaching at RB. He will get much better. You're seeing a highly talented, very raw player. His ceiling was easily the highest of the RBs.

 

[Mitch]

Keep in mind he had little quality coaching at RB. He will get much better. You're seeing a highly talented, very raw player. His ceiling was easily the highest of the RBs.

His coaching at UNI was excellent. They got the max out of Johnson, especially in games versus the likes of Iowa (16-27 L), Iowa St. (28-20 W) and Wisconsin (26-21 L) (all away games). He gave their defenses fits as a rusher and receiver out of the backfield.

 

[iRobot]

Quite a few highlight videos of him now... https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=david+johnson+iowa

 

[BullheadCardFan]

Quite a few highlight videos of him now... https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=david+johnson+iowa

Here is one of the better ones. He has good hands in the receiving game. Some nice moves and cuts. Have to consider the level of competition. He likes to go to the outside. If he can lower his pads and go between the tackles he could be that all around back for us.

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[blindseyed]

He looks tall

 

[juza76]

wow what reception he made in min 4'03

 

[Harry]

Bill Salmon is a former QB from UNI. He never played running back. He came to UNI from KU where he was Terry Allen's Offensive Coordinator. He also served as RB coach during most of that time. It's notable they took over a previously ranked program and never managed a winning record. At UNI Salmon serves as Assistant Head Coach as well as RB coach. I add this because he has always had his attention divided which makes it even more difficult to coach a position he never played. If you're relying on Johnson's numbers to validate Salmon's coaching, that's not a good deduction. Firstly, Johnson didn't play the position traditionally or as he will need to in the NFL. He was almost an H-back on many plays. Secondly, his running technique is badly flawed. He runs too upright, negating much of the power his size could provide. This is why so many reviews say he's not an inside runner. Thirdly, he lacks sophistication. Quick cuts and stutter steps, for example, are not moves he possesses. Yet if you watch his receiving agility it's clear he could be taught these moves. This is what running back coaching is designed to provide and I believe you have to point to the coaching for these deficits. Johnson is very raw technique-wise. The good news is he takes coaching well and is bright. He should develop into both a fine runner and receiver for the Cards. This is why articles, like the one beginning this thread, are so plused about Johnson.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Now that I see more video of him, especially the ones where they show every carry or reception in a game, I see that he has a very good power running game. He gets lots of yards after contact and routinely breaks arm tackles. I am really looking forward to watching this guy.

 

[redheat]

His running style doesn't impress me at all. He's going to get blown up running through the tackles so upright.

 

[iRobot]

A lot of the time it seems his line isn't blocking well either so I'm excited to see him behind a competent line which we seem to possess now lol

 

[JCSunsfan]

His running style doesn't impress me at all. He's going to get blown up running through the tackles so upright.

I don't see that at all.

 

[b8rtm8nn]

His running style doesn't impress me at all. He's going to get blown up running through the tackles so upright.

Did you not see Harry's comments above yours about how raw his technique is???

 

[cardncubfan]

I don't see that at all.

I agree JC.

 

[Austin Zonie]

Bill Salmon is a former QB from UNI. He never played running back. He came to UNI from KU where he was Terry Allen's Offensive Coordinator. He also served as RB coach during most of that time. It's notable they took over a previously ranked program and never managed a winning record. At UNI Salmon serves as Assistant Head Coach as well as RB coach. I add this because he has always had his attention divided which makes it even more difficult to coach a position he never played. If you're relying on Johnson's numbers to validate Salmon's coaching, that's not a good deduction. Firstly, Johnson didn't play the position traditionally or as he will need to in the NFL. He was almost an H-back on many plays. Secondly, his running technique is badly flawed. He runs too upright, negating much of the power his size could provide. This is why so many reviews say he's not an inside runner. Thirdly, he lacks sophistication. Quick cuts and stutter steps, for example, are not moves he possesses. Yet if you watch his receiving agility it's clear he could be taught these moves. This is what running back coaching is designed to provide and I believe you have to point to the coaching for these deficits. Johnson is very raw technique-wise. The good news is he takes coaching well and is bright. He should develop into both a fine runner and receiver for the Cards. This is why articles, like the one beginning this thread, are so plused about Johnson.

Great post. Thank you.

 

[Goldfield]

man I hope this guy is the goods. if he is, with a healthy Ellington, the addition of what's-his-nuts from SF... if Cooper can just be average, this team will have a very good running game which can only open up things for Palmer and our downfield offense.

This is most exciting.

 

[splitsecond]

He strikes me as a non-injury prone, smarter Beanie Wells with better hands.

 

[JCSunsfan]

He strikes me as a non-injury prone, smarter Beanie Wells with better hands.

Can't complain about that.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

He strikes me as a non-injury prone, smarter Beanie Wells with better hands.

but not nearly as talented a runner, at least not yet.