Duke Johnson, Running Back
Our first Cleveland Brown that has the opportunity to break out in 2018 is running back Duke Johnson. The 2015 third round pick inked a three-year contract extension this offseason after leading the Browns in all-purpose yards (1,041) and touchdowns (7) in 2017. Johnson has established himself as one of the best pass-catching backs in the league. He joined Herschel Walker as the only running backs to compile at least 500 yards receiving in each of their first three NFL seasons, according to ClevelandBrowns.com.
Now Johnson has Todd Haley calling plays who is no stranger to passing the ball to the running back. Le’Veon Bell, Haley’s running back in Pittsburgh last year, amassed 85 catches on 107 targets and scored two touchdowns. That was in addition to carrying the ball 321 times. Johnson will not become Bell in 2018, but Haley-led offenses average a healthy 20.1 percent target share for running backs dating back to 2007, according to NumberFire.com. Free agent signing Carlos Hyde and 2018 second round pick Nick Chubb will handle between the tackle and short yardage carries. Johnson will thrive as the pass-catching back. Haley will have a bevy of routes coming out of the backfield and slot to exploit mismatches.
Additional Johnson Notes
- Johnson’s 74 catches for 693 yards were the most-ever by a Cleveland running back in a single season. – Patrick Maks ClevelandBrowns.com
- Johnson was one of Pro Football Focus’ most elusive pass-catching running backs since they started tracking these numbers (2007). Johnson holds three of our 15 best seasons among running backs by missed tackles forced. – Scott Barrett Pro Football Focus
- Since 2015, Johnson ranks first in scrimmage yards per touch (6.3) among NFL running backs. His 1,741 receiving yards are also the most by any back in that span. – Patrick Maks ClevelandBrowns.com
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