Oakland Raiders 2018 NFL Draft: 5 mid-round running backs to target
By John Buhler
The Auburn Tigers had a great year in 2017. They beat both of the teams that played in the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship Game in their two biggest rivals in the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs. Auburn may have lost four games, but there was a point where this looked to be the best team in football.
A big reason the Tigers won the SEC West for the first time since 2013 was the brilliant play of 2017 SEC Offensive Player of the Year in running back Kerryon Johnson. In a program that has produced so many talented running backs, Johnson played with a tenacity as a junior that made him the toughest running back to defend in the SEC.
At 6-feet, 212 pounds, Johnson may not be as hardy as some other running back prospects. However, his game does transition well to the next level as a guy that can run, receive and protect. Johnson leaves Auburn after three years with 2,494 rushing yards on 519 carries and 32 touchdowns. He also had 55 career receptions for 478 yards and two trips to pay dirt.
Johnson could go as high as the second round in this draft. He could be a guy that the Raiders could pursue in the third round. However, he may be entering the NFL a tad banged up. He wasn’t the same physically after taking a beating in the Iron Bowl versus Alabama. Johnson wasn’t the same player against Georgia in the SEC Championship or the UCF Knights in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.