NFL Draft 2018: New York Giants 7-round mock

Round 3 – Pick 66

Kerryon Johnson, RB, Auburn

The New York Giants were a mess in the backfield in 2017. Their feature back was Orleans Darkwa, despite selecting running back Wayne Gallman in the fourth round a year ago.  The team needs a dynamic back, especially if they plan on having Eli Manning under center. Luckily for them this is an extremely deep running back class. In this mock draft Kerryon Johnson fell to the top of the third round despite having second round talent.

Johnson was insanely productive at Auburn a season ago. He showed toughness playing through multiple injuries, including a shoulder injury in the Georgia game in one of his toughest performances of the season. His effort and production earned him second team All-American and first team All-SEC this past season.

Some see Johnson run and are reminded of patient runners like Le’Veon Bell. While he is talented, he is not Bell just yet. The former basketball standout shows that some of those skills translate with excellent feet and acceleration. His patient style is easy to fall in love with but what sets him apart is that rare burst through the hole. Johnson has also shown excellent power despite a more upright running style.

Backs like Johnson are rare with his combination of vision and power. It would not surprise me to see him being a three down back at the next level in his rookie year. If he falls to this point in the draft, it would be considered a steal. It would also mean he had a below average combine, which could hurt his stock a la Dalvin Cook a year ago. New York would be ecstatic to see a player like Johnson at the top of round three.