Last Thursday, the Houston Texans agreed to a trade that sent a 4th-round draft pick with the potential to be a 3rd-round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for RB Duke Johnson Jr.
Johnson Jr has been one of the most versatile backs in the league. In four seasons for the Browns, he ran for 1,286 yards alongside 5 TD. More importantly, Johnson Jr had 236 receptions for 2,170 receiving yards and 8 TD during that time.
His ability to catch out the backfield and create mismatches against opposing linebackers at times will be a massive advantage for the Texans. With a more mobile quarterback in Deshaun Watson, who ranked 3rd in rushing attempts among QB’s, Johnson Jr could easily see an expanded role in this system.
Head coach Bill O’Brien will be able to utilize Johnson as a “change of pace” back to Lamar Miller. Not to mention, Johnson Jr is far more durable than Miller, who hasn’t played a full 16 games since the 2015 season.
Many knew a trade would occur involving Duke Johnson Jr, but his role in the Houston Texans offense is a chapter to look forward to.
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