NFL Draft: 5 Small School Prospects to Watch

David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa

Johnson is an absolute physical specimen at running back and if he had been at an FBS school, he would be considered one of the top offensive weapons in this draft. He is a legitimate No. 1 running back and at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds he can take a beating or deliver one with the ball in his hands.

Johnson looked great at the Senior Bowl, then blew up at the combine, where he put in what I believe was the best all-around workout by a running back this year. He ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash, had 25 bench reps, a 41.5-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot-7 broad jump and a 6.82-second three-cone drill. The guy is just a fantastic athlete and that shows up on tape.

Johnson was a two-time first-team All-Missouri Valley player and was the first player in Northern Iowa history to have three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He was a third-team FCS All-American in 2014 while breaking 15 school records. During his senior year he rushed for 1,553 yards and 17 touchdowns on 287 carries.

The Clinton, Iowa native is excellent catching the ball out of the backfield, has great vision and will continue to get better. He’s well-rounded and the only mark against him might be the 1,007 offensive touches he had in college. Running backs only have so many carries in them, so that’s a worry. But while watching Johnson’s film it’s easy to forget all of that.

If this draft class wasn’t loaded at the running back position he could be an early second-round pick. As it stands I have a hard time seeing Johnson last until the third day.

Next: Davis Tull