NFL that need a running back that can catch

[jegbomb52]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

Two words that make DJ's draft status uncertain: pass blocking. Kid is a great athlete but he won't play on anything but special teams without improving his pass blocking.

there are 5 rb's in the nfl that are serviceable pass blockers, and none of them look good doing it.

DJ will play special teams, DJ will play offense, game one of the NFL season.

Don't be surprised to see DJ wearing a number in the high 80's playing a tight end position....

[GonzoCat]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

CBS Sports take:

Meet the Prospect: DJ

[SteinPizza]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

Don't be surprised to see DJ wearing a number in the high 80's playing a tight end position....

That would not be a surprise at all. 6'3 RBs in the NFL are very rare. Being tall creates a big target for tacklers, which leads to more injuries. He won't get more than a handful of carries anyway. He'll make his living playing special teams, and catching the football.

[vbfan19]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

CBS Sports take:

Meet the Prospect: DJ

Bill Salmon (NIU offensive coordinator)

I wish him the best of luck with the Huskies.

[95UNIGRAD]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

Yes, Vikings fan. I only mentioned McKinnon as a running back that is from an FCS school and that his situation would be ideal because he was over looked and landed on a team where he could play, like DJ may. And yes the situation as to how he got the starting job is unfortunate, but he would have gotten some snaps in a few situations and on third down probably because of his ability to catch the ball.

And I am not denying that Lacy is a good running back, but not buying that he is one of the best RBs in the league after his second year. His yardage amounts are down quite a bit, which is odd considering that after Rodgers got injured the other team knew they were going to try to run it down their throats. They pass more now obviously but the production that he had earlier in the season was not what most Packer fans expected. Watching AD play (last season of course) as one of the best, I just think that he is head and shoulders above Lacy because of his running style. The best backs in the lead have the ability to bounce to the outside and I just do not think Lacy has that same type of ability because he is not very shifty, more of a power back. But yes, I will acknowledge he is a good RB because I am not in denial as to how talented teams are that are not the Vikings.

Agree totally. Lacy is a power back who runs hard, and is tough to bring down once he gets going. That description fits a lot of guys in this league. It also fits a lot of guys (Marion Barber comes to mind) who had short careers in this league because of their running style. I wouldn't count on him for a period of years if I were the Packers. Marshawn Lynch keeps playing well, but I don't think Lacy's in his class.

Anyway, wherever DJ ends up, I just hope it's with someone that realizes what a great receiver he can be in addition to his running ability.

[GonzoCat]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

I wish him the best of luck with the Huskies.

I didn't notice that, but if it was it's been fixed already. CBS must monitor this board.

[vbfan19]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

I didn't notice that, but if it was it's been fixed already. CBS must monitor this board.

perhaps.
or they caught it during proofreading
or more likely, someone emailed them about it (wasn't me, I just make snarky comments here in the peanut gallery)

[Panther-Sheik]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

I've always thought his highest potential in the NFL to be a 3rd down back or h-back position. He has great hands and is elusive in the open field but it is tough for a guy his size and running style to be super between the tackles like an every down back would be. I'll never be surprised by anything the guy can accomplish, though. Hard worker who will not be denied.

[06panther10]

He's not a RB, hes not a TE, and hes not a WR. He's just an offensive weapon that can be used it a multitude of ways. I hope whatever team he goes to doesnt try to put him in a box and limit what he can do for them.

[95UNIGRAD]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

He's not a RB, hes not a TE, and hes not a WR. He's just an offensive weapon that can be used it a multitude of ways. I hope whatever team he goes to doesnt try to put him in a box and limit what he can do for them.

Perfect way to describe him. There's a lot of ways he can help offensive and special teams units. Here's to hoping a team grabs him that understands how to do that.

[UNI]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

Think Marcel Reece.

Reece was a WR in college, but had a frame that was more suited towards H-Back/Tight End. He has been a weapon for the Raiders, when they decide to use him, and he is able to do a lot of great things for them.

RBs are a dime-a-dozen in the NFL right now, and while I do think that DJ is a great prospect, it will be tough for him to make it in the NFL as a starter. That's not saying that he can't do it, but he may be switching roles in order to do so.

[MnPantherFan]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

After watching the NDSU video in a different thread, the thought occures that UNI should do a DJ highlight video using only his FBS big plays. He certainly has plenty of them over the years and it might make a dent in the old saw that "he plays against 'lesser' competition". It would be interesting to see his career stats vs. FBS or BCS competition.

[vbfan19]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

It would be interesting to see his career stats vs. FBS or BCS competition.

David Johnson played in 6 games against FBS opponents:
@Iowa St in '11 and '13, @Iowa in '12 and '14, @Wisconsin in '12 and @Hawaii in '14

Rushing totals:
88 carries for 410 yds, 4.66 yds/carry, 68.33 yds/game

Receiving totals:
26 catches for 584 yds, 22.46 yds/catch, 97.33 yds/game

All-purpose yards: 994 (165.7 YPG)

Scoring:
10 touchdowns (4 rushing, 6 receiving)

[UNI]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

After watching the NDSU video in a different thread, the thought occures that UNI should do a DJ highlight video using only his FBS big plays. He certainly has plenty of them over the years and it might make a dent in the old saw that "he plays against 'lesser' competition". It would be interesting to see his career stats vs. FBS or BCS competition.

6 career games

88 rush attempts - 410 rushing yards - 4 rushing TDs

26 receptions - 584 receiving yards - 6 receiving TDs

994 total yards - 10 touchdowns

[SteinPizza]

Re: NFL that need a running back that can catch

He's not a RB, hes not a TE, and hes not a WR. He's just an offensive weapon that can be used it a multitude of ways. I hope whatever team he goes to doesnt try to put him in a box and limit what he can do for them.

Hate to burst anyone's bubble here, but he's probably not a "weapon that can be used in a multitude of ways" at the NFL level. Very few RBs on are on the field for all 3 downs, regardless of field position and distance. AP, Demarco Murray, Marshawn Lynch, Jamal Charles, maybe LeShaun McCoy...that's about it. Why? Because the vast majority of NFL running backs aren't anywhere near good enough at everything to do it. They were in college, but that's a big step down in competition, both in terms of opposing defenses and the other RBs on their own roster.

Just my take, but DJ's best NFL resume points are his receiving skills. That's where he'll stand out, and standing out in a specialty is what he'll need to see the field. I don't see his running skills as being special enough compared to the guys he'll be competiting against, particulary between the tackles. Again, we're talking NFL here, not the minor leagues. If I'm wrong, and he's the next Adrian Peterson, then I'll happily admit my error.