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A CLOSER LOOK: Running back Kerryon Johnson

Running back Kerryon Johnson, Auburn.

Ht/Wt: 5-11/211.

Pick: Second round, 43rd overall, after a trade with the Patriots to move up from 51.

Workout results:  From his Pro Day and Combine -- 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 11 reps in the bench press, 40-inch vertical jump, 10 feet, 6 inches in the standing broad jump.

Bio/stats: A three-year player, Johnson broke out in 2017 to set career highs of 1,391 yards and 18 touchdowns. Remarkably consistent in his rushing average in his three seasons – 4.0 in 2015, 4.9 in 2016 and 4.9 in 2017 for a career average of 4.8 yards per carry on 519 career carries.

Johnson started only one game in 2015, six in 2016 and 12 of 14 in 2017. 

Johnson's patient running style, looking for a hole before accelerating, has drawn comparisons to Pittsburgh Steelers star Le'Veon Bell.

Analyst's take: From Lance Zierlein on NFL.com: "Johnson proved that he was more than tough enough to carry a heavy workload to help Auburn impose their will on the ground. Johnson runs with good burst and is adept as both an inside and outside runner, but is more likely to become a grinder than a slasher on the next level. Johnson offers three-down value and could become an early starter."

Mike O'Hara's take: "The Lions made a bold move early in the second round to trade up for a running back, and that back was Johnson. He can upgrade the running game, and the offense, if he justifies the value the Lions placed on him with this trade."

Tim Twentyman's take: "I like the pick. Johnson comes in right away with three-down potential. Teams really value that. He rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, but also caught 24 balls for close to another 200 yards and two scores. He runs with power, but can also make defenders miss in the hole. He's a complete back, and doesn't have a lot of wear and tear on his tires (519 career carries)."

View photos of running back Kerryon Johnson.

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