Solid blocker but his real strength lies as a receiver in the passing game. Tremendous receiver out of the backfield, VERY good hands and a terrific route runner for a RB.
Very versatile guy that can line up out wide, make plays out of the backfield and just an all-around weapon that some are considering as best suited to play an h-back role in the NFL. If nothing else he appears to be a perfect 3rd down back in the NFL, a guy who can block, catch and run well. He could be very dangerous in the right offense if a team was committed to throwing the football to him consistently. I do think that he would be a very good fit in a zone blocking scheme that allows him to make his cut and go as well as be the recipient of passes coming off of playaction and bootlegs.
He also was a kickoff returner at NIU and could bring some impact there, a big guy that picks up speed and comes flying at you with a full head of steam.
2015 Senior Bowl Stock Report: Ten who stood out in Mobile...David Johnson, RB, Northern Iowa: While Abdullah may have been the flashiest back, the most impressive overall was Johnson, whose combination of size, sharp-cutting and terrific hands out of the backfield made him a mismatch in the running and receiving game. The vision, balance and determination Johnson demonstrated in the 19-yard touchdown to spark the game's scoring ranks among the most impressive individual plays. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
"Everyone has doubted this player since high school and all he does is produces. He's the hard working MVP of that offense. Not sure he'll start in the league, but I like him in a third down role, using him in the passing game." – AFC North scout
2015 Senior Bowl: 10 prospects who helped themselves: RB David Johnson, Northern Iowa (6-1, 224)...Looking like a linebacker during the weigh-ins, Johnson was another small school player who immediately proved that he belonged, especially as pass catcher out of the backfield. He doesn't have the traditional frame for the position and might be best suited as a hybrid H-back role, utilizing his ability as a receiver and blocker in pass pro. But regardless, he's a versatile prospect teams would love to add to the depth chart. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-senior-bowl/0ap3000000462773/Reese-s-Senior-Bowl-Johnson-s-19-yard-touchdown-run
http://www.nfl.com/videos/mayocks-slant/0ap3000000445753/Mayock-s-Slant-UNI-running-back-David-Johnson-looks-promising
"Intriguing kid, tremendous size at running back," Mayock said of Johnson. "Combined with an ability to catch the football. I would imagine the game he had against Iowa this year made him and his family feel pretty darn good after not getting recruited by them coming out of high school. He caught 203 yards worth of passes from the tailback position. He's got great hands. He runs routes. He made a couple stutter moves on the linebacker at Iowa that were just awesome. Then he comes to The Senior Bowl and he played really well, did everything well.
"Outstanding hands -- that's what makes him an intriguing prospect," Mayock said. "Last year, Charles Sims from West Virginia went in the third round. I think he's comparable (to Johnson) as a big back."
A senior, Johnson holds just about every school record imaginable and was a big factor in the Panthers' near upset of in-state rival Iowa and added 138 yards rushing as the program beat the then-No. 1 FCS team in North Dakota State earlier this season. Johnson was invited to next month's Senior Bowl, where Mayock thinks he make a name for himself in front of scouts.
[ Edited by Phoenix49ers on Feb 17, 2015 at 1:25 PM ]
