Panthers UDFA RB/FB Devon "Rockhead" Johnson

[Jeremy Igo]

 

So I have seen some buzz around this kid from Marshall. I knew nothing about him, so here is a bit of info... 

Devon Johnson

FB/RB 6'0 238lbs

From NFL.com

 

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It's not tough to see why "Rockhead" earned that moniker -- no one wants to get in the way of this 6-1, 243-pound freight train when he's healthy. The 2014 first-team All-Conference USA pick accumulated 1,767 yards and 17 touchdowns rushing as a junior after lining up for two years as a tight end. His receiving skills (12 catches, 218 yards, two scores in 2013) actually give him a chance to take on an H-back role. Unfortunately, Johnson could only play seven games (five starts) in 2015 due to a back injury (593 rush yards, five TD). So he'll need to prove his health before proving he can play on Sundays.

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BOTTOM LINE

 Bruising back who was unable to prove to scouts that he could replicate his big 2014 campaign due to a back injury that bothered him for more than half the year. "Rockhead" is a power back who might have enough play speed to fit into a speciality role as goal line back and an immediate special teams contributor. While teams will certainly look at him as a fullback, his value lies in moving the chains and punishing second-level players.

From CBS

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IN OUR VIEW: Johnson's size and bull-in-a-china-shop running style could earn him Day Three consideration from teams looking for a complementary power back. A former tight end (and linebacker) with the grit to block and soft hands, he also could draw interest as a possible convert to fullback or H-back.

Here is a nice writeup from a cowboys blog

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For the past two seasons, Devon Johnson has been the primary ball carrier for the Thundering Herd. In 2014 he rushed for 1,767 yards on 206 attempts, racking up an 8.6 yards per carry average and 17 TDs in the process. Injury derailed his senior season but he was on pace for much of the same, collecting 593 yards in only four complete games.

Rated by Walter Football as the #2 FB in the 2016 NFL Draft, Rockhead has proven he can lower his pads and deliver bone jarring blocks as a fullback as well. He’s big and strong enough to move linemen and he’s quick and athletic enough to hit ‘backers at the next level.

He’s a kind of combo-back that could change the Cowboys short-yardage and goal line fortunes overnight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

So my question for the Huddle is this.... How much of a shot does Rockhead have to make the roster? 

 

Who is his competition? Is it Mike Tolbert or Brandon Wegher? Where does he fit in the grand scheme of things?

 

 

 

 

[The_Rainmaker]

Could be a eventual FB and Tolbert replacement

 

[Jeremy Igo]

Just now, The_Rainmaker said:

Could be a eventual FB and Tolbert replacement

 

I don't see much talk about his blocking ability. Not that Tolbert is a great blocker, but for a rookie to come in I feel like he would need to be able to really block well. 

[The_Rainmaker]

2 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

I don't see much talk about his blocking ability. Not that Tolbert is a great blocker, but for a rookie to come in I feel like he would need to be able to really block well. 

If he can learn how to block he could a compete package , but the better question I guess is how good of a runner is a Bonnet  and his catching ability 

[Thama]

Looks like a practice squad stash that could replace Tolbert in a year or two. 

[London Loves Luke]

I'm pretty sure there was a guy last year that you could just copy and paste this same description about? Igo loves him some meatheads.

[Jeremy Igo]

Just now, London Loves Luke said:

I'm pretty sure there was a guy last year that you could just copy and paste this same description about? Igo loves him some meatheads.

Lee Ward had one college carry. This guy was the feature back. Don't think that is a valid comparison at all. 

[London Loves Luke]

1 minute ago, Jeremy Igo said:

Lee Ward had one college carry. This guy was the feature back. Don't think that is a valid comparison at all. 

That was it, I remember he was a lot more of a blocker and had some great highlights of him blowing people up.

[Toker Smurf]

He is competition for Tolberts position but could take Wegher's (or possibly CAP's) roster spot, if they want to develop him for a year but are afraid he won't survive on the PS. RB and WR camp battles may be epic, this year.

[panthers55]

I suspect he is a great blocker or will pick it up with gusto. He looks tough and is athletic for a big man. He looks like a practice squad guy unless he can show he can stay healthy and contribute day 1 on special teams.

[johnnydefence]

Brandon Wegher is like Rockhead but with a year under his belt. 

Camp is going to be fun! I cant wait to see if Brandon has learned to Block better.

[Untouchable]

Feels like he'll be looked at as a fullback.  So Tolbert and maybe the other UDFA Bonnett look like the competition.

[Khyber53]

There's nothing not to like about him and if he can bring his skill set up to the pro level, he would be the perfect back up to Tolbert and his eventual replacement when Tugboat retires.

I believe you can never go wrong picking up prototype smash mouth football players. And nothing softens up a defense like battering ram running backs.

[caatfan]

If he's great on ST and shows promise carrying the ball, even if it's just bulldozer type running, he might bump some other marginal ST player and stick.