The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.
The Green Bay Packers will most likely be in the market for a running back in the 2023 NFL Draft. With Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon in place, they’ll do so knowing that the tailback they select will not see many touches during his rookie campaign.
Therefore, they may be in the market for a running back that could impact the game in other facets. Enter, Roschon Johnson. The Texas running back checks in at No. 22 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Bijan will be a 1st rounder, but he won't be the only Texas RB drafted in April.
Roschon Johnson is built for the NFL – special teams, short-yardage, 3rd down role, whatever your offense needs. Big time culture guy too. https://t.co/GOYncJH554
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 25, 2022
Even with Jones and Dillon in front of him, Johnson has the skill set to make an immediate impact for the Packers. Let’s dive in.
A four-star quarterback recruit out of Port Arthur, Texas, Johnson moved to running back due to injuries. Johnson took to his new position like a duck to water.
During his first season at running back, Johnson rushed for 649 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2020, Johnson rushed for 418 yards and six touchdowns. The following season Johnson rushed for 569 yards and five touchdowns. This past season he rushed for 554 yards and five touchdowns.
“Roschon played the role of the punisher for Texas this year,” Joey Hickey, a contributor for Longhornswire.com said. “He still had the speed and hurdling ability to make plays in other ways and was excellent in pass protection as well. The Longhorns called on him to be productive with less opportunities and he consistently got it done.”
If Johnson were to land with the Packers he may not see many carries on offense playing behind Jones and Dillon. However, he could make an immediate impact on special teams. This past season he played 185 snaps on special teams and recorded four tackles on special teams. On top of that, he has experience returning kickoffs.
While playing behind Bijan Robinson, Johnson was asked to do the dirty work. As a lead blocker for Robinson, Johnson looked like a freight train. He hit the hole like a battering ram to help open up running lanes for his teammate.
A hired gun on special teams. Johnson was willing to do whatever was asked of him on offense. Johnson will be a player that scouts and coaches are pounding the table for in the war room.
“Roschon has been up to seemingly every task Texas has asked him to perform,” Hickey said. “No moment I can recall has been too big for him at Texas.”
With his ability to help out on special teams, Johnson offers a true four-down skillset. He has natural hands and is a weapon out of the backfield as a pass catcher. Johnson finished his career at Texas with 56 receptions for 420 yards and three touchdowns. He shows good awareness in pass protection and isn’t afraid to drop his pads to meet oncoming traffic.
RBs make $ in pass pro — nice rep from Roschon Johnson. pic.twitter.com/S1lQvdwED0
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 1, 2023
“He’s really a complete back,” Hickey said. “He made big plays as a receiver and can step in to protect the quarterback. Johnson’s time as a signal-caller in high school might help him see the field in a way that aids his quarterback.”
As a runner, Johnson is built to pick up the tough yards between the tackles. He has a strong lower half and runs through arm tackles. When he gets going downhill he can be hard to slow down. He has good contact balance. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson picked up 402 yards after contact last season and forced 46 missed tackles on just 93 carries.
“I don’t know that any defender relishes a potential collision with Roschon,” Hickey said. “That’s probably the beginning of his ability to break big plays. He’s elusive with the ability to hurdle over defenders and run through them.”
Johnson’s quick to read his blocks and makes sharp, timely cuts. There are no wasted movements. While not a burner, Johnson showcases adequate burst through the hole to reach the second level.
Fit with the Packers
Jones and Dillon both could be entering their final season in Green Bay. While Johnson may not see many touches during his rookie season, he could provide an immediate impact on special teams and carve out a limited role in the backfield.
Fast forward a year and Johnson could be the team’s new No. 1 running back. He’s a physical runner, with a three-down skillset. On top of that, there is plenty of tread left on the tires.
“Johnson is willing to do whatever is asked of him,” Hickey said. “He’s the type of player coaches might not have believed exists anymore. Roschon doesn’t have Bijan Robinson’s ceiling but has a high floor. You know the effort you’re going to get day to day and he’s an exceptional leader.”
Johnson is a complete back that could have transferred to another team to be the lead dog. Instead, Johnson played second fiddle to Robinson and was more than willing to do the dirty work.
Johnson is a pound the table for type prospects. While he may not be as dynamic as some of the other running backs in this draft class. No running back can match him from an intangible standpoint. He can help a team in a variety of ways. He’s just one heck of a football player.
