Unpacking Future Packers: No. 79, Washington RB Dillon Johnson
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.
With AJ Dillon set to hit the open market this offseason and Aaron Jones entering the final year of his contract, the Green Bay Packers will likely be in the market for a running back or two this offseason.
A running back that Brian Gutekunst could target during the 2024 NFL Draft is Dillon Johnson. The University of Washington running back checks in at No. 79 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A transfer from Mississippi State, Johnson rushed for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Huskies this past season.
Johnson is as tough as nails and his grit was on full display in the National Championship matchup against Michigan when he played through a lower-body injury.
“Dillon’s greatest strength is his toughness and attitude,” Roman Tomashoff, the side editor for UWHuskiesWire, said. “They allow him to never take a play off and helps bring out the best in his game on every snap.”
Johnson seeks out contact. He seems to have an appetite for the physical side of the game and wants to inflict pain on defenders trying to tackle him. He runs through arm tackles and keeps his legs driving through contact. Johnson always seems to fall forward. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson racked up 699 yards after contact and forced 43 missed tackles this past season.
Johnson has good vision and the foot quickness to make sharp cuts without having to gear down. While he’s in no way shape or form going to win many foot races, he’s quicker than fast and is capable of ripping off chunk plays. According to PFF, Johnson had 25 runs of 10-plus yards this past season.
“Dillon possesses excellent strength, a great stiff arm and great balance which make him very hard to tackle one one-on-one,” Tomashoff said. “He loves to seek out contact when he gets to the second level and has a size advantage against most defensive backs when he gets outside the tackles.”
Before transferring to Washington, Johnson was part of the air-raid attack at Mississippi State. During his three seasons in the SEC, Johnson hauled in 149 receptions for 864 yards and one touchdown. He has reliable hands and had zero drops this past season (five for his career). In pass protection, he steps up to meet defenders head-on.
“Dillon gives max effort in pass protection and is very good at it too,” Tomashoff said. “His strength and footwork make him a more than serviceable pass blocker at the NFL level. While he didn’t get to show off his full ability as a receiver at Washington, coming from an air raid scheme at Mississippi State, Dillon has great hands and an advanced understanding of route running thanks to his time in Starkville.”
Fit with the Packers
The Packers need to add a running back that can help take some of the load off Jones, as the Packers attempt to extend the dynamic running back’s career.
Johnson is a back that could come in and do the dirty work. It’s third and two and the Packers need to move the chains. No problem. Hand the ball off to Johnson and let him hammer his way for three yards while running behind Elgton Jenkins.
Johnson is a physical back that shreds through arm tackles and can hit another gear when he gets out into space. The Mississippi State transfer has the hands to be a threat out of the backfield in Green Bay’s aerial attack.
“I would draft Dillon because he has the potential to be a three-down back that showed he can handle a heavy workload,” Tomashoff said. “His best games came on the biggest stages, even while dealing with multiple injuries. He brings the toughness, skillset, and attitude of a reliable pro running back who would also be a fantastic addition to any locker room.”
