NFL Draft: Duke Johnson a fit for Green Bay Packers?

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Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson (8) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

A Versatile Threat

The Packers already have arguably the most dangerous offense in the NFL. With the re-signings of Randall Cobb and Bryan Bulaga, they are nearly entirely intact from last season.

Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Just imagine how good they would be with Johnson added to the mix.

You know what you’re going to get with Lacy. He will run down defenders and fight for every yard. Lacy is constantly improving and is one of the premier backs in the league.

In his two seasons with the Packers, he’s rushed 530 times for 2,317 yards and 20 touchdowns, according to ESPN Stats.

With the nature of his style of play, there is a risk that Lacy might not be in the league for many years. Adding in Johnson would take some of the stress off Lacy.

Johnson is an explosive runner and has great speed. He has the ability to break tackles and shows no fear. Once he gets into the open field, good luck catching him.

The Packers could get very creative with him – put him in the backfield on his own or with Lacy; line him up outside as a receiver.

Imagine placing both Johnson and Cobb in the backfield. Will one of them run the football? Or will they both break out as pass-catchers? Those are questions defenses would have to ask.

That would almost be too cruel on opponents.

Johnson could also greatly help the return game. Between 2012 and 2013, he returned 42 kickoffs for 1,288 yards and two touchdowns. In both seasons, his longest return was 95 yards.

Maybe drafting Johnson is too much of a luxury pick for the Packers when there are other pressing needs on the team. However, with potentially two compensatory picks on the way, the Packers will have plenty of opportunities to address the defense.

In a draft deep at the running back position, the Packers could take the offense to an even higher level with the addition of Johnson.

		Rushing	Receiving	Scrimmage
Year	School	Pos	G	Att	Yds	Avg	TD	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD	Plays	Yds	Avg	TD
2012	Miami (FL)	RB	12	139	947	6.8	10	27	221	8.2	1	166	1168	7.0	11
2014	Miami (FL)	RB	13	242	1652	6.8	10	38	421	11.1	3	280	2073	7.4	13
Career	Miami (FL)			381	2599	6.8	20	65	642	9.9	4	446	3241	7.3	24

Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CFB: View Original Table
Generated 3/20/2015.

Next: Are the Packers looking to add veteran wide receiver?

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