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Scouting Profile: Miami RB Duke Johnson

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NFL draft, which takes place from April 30 to May 2 in Chicago.

To view our complete list of 2015 prospect profiles, tap here.

Duke Johnson

Position: RB
School: Miami (FL)
College Experience: Junior
Height: 5-9
Weight: 206 lbs.
Age: 21

Combine Results

Event Result
40-yd Dash 4.54 sec
Bench Press N/A
Vertical Jump 33.5 inches
Broad Jump 121 inches
3-Cone Drill N/A
20-yd Shuttle N/A

Strengths

  • Regarded as the best pass-catching running back in the 2015 draft class.
  • Displays impressive footwork and lateral agility, allowing him to change direction on a dime without breaking stride.
  • Has great vision and is capable of identifying running lanes before they open.
  • Possesses the strength to break tackles and stiff-arm defenders, despite being undersized for his position.
  • Consistently fights for extra yards.
  • Able to run between tackles.
  • Played a big role on special teams for the Hurricanes in 2014, averaging 33 yards per kickoff return, second highest in the FBS behind UCF's Quincy McDuffie (34 yards per kickoff return).

Weaknesses

  • Some durability concerns, as he missed five games in 2013 with a broken ankle. 
  • Could add some more weight to his frame.
  • Needs to improve in pass protection and refine his cut-blocking technique.
  • Ball security is another area of concern, as he fumbled six times over the past two seasons.

NFL player comparison: LeSean McCoy

Though slightly smaller than McCoy, Johnson boasts the same impressive acceleration and ability to receive out of the backfield as the former second-round pick. Johnson has even admitted to modeling his game after McCoy's.

Ideal fit: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts signed Frank Gore in free agency, but at 31 years old, he's not a long-term answer at the position. In Johnson, Indianapolis would get a potential franchise running back who could help improve its offense for years to come. 

Draft Projection: Round 2 (33-64)

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