San Diego Chargers NFL Draft: Duke Johnson a nice fit

By Ernie Padaon | Jan 21, 2015

Duke Johnson out of Miami would be a nice fit for the San Diego Chargers in the 2nd round of the draft.

The San Diego Chargers should be in the market for a running back in this year’s draft. Ryan Mathews has worn out his welcome with all the injuries and the fumbles. Danny Woodhead will be back, but he would be best used sharing the responsibilities with someone else. Branden Oliver could be the guy to take the load, but he still has a lot to prove before he can be given the full plate.

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There should be plenty of backs to choose from in the draft that can make an impact immediately on the Chargers roster.

If the Chargers are going to use some money in free agency this season, they should put that money toward the offensive line and toward some pass rushers on defense. If they go with that approach, then they would be able to use their draft selections on to add some playmakers onto the roster.

It would be tough to spend a first round draft selection on a running back, but adding a player in the 2nd round like Duke Johnson out of Miami could be a huge boost to the offense. Johnson is one of those players that will make defenders miss in the open field. He has good vision at the line and can pick up some yards in the passing game. He is someone that could be an immediate boost on offense for the team.

Johnson could also be called upon to help in the kick return game. We have not had a return game since Darren Sproles was on the roster. We could use another running back to bring back that part of the game to the team.

Check out some of the tape on Johnson:

Johnson will likely be available in the 2nd round for the Chargers if they want to move in that direction. The team could use their first round draft choice on another area of need and then pick up this playmaker in the next round.

As a Charger, Johnson would be able to split the carries with Woodhead to create a dynamic duo. The backfield would lack some size, with Johnson standing at 5-foot-9, 206 pounds and Woodhead standing at 5-foot-8, 200 pounds and Oliver at 5-foot-7. 208 pounds, but it wouldn’t lack athleticism.

This team needs a running game to help Philip Rivers and the offense move the chains. Adding a threat that can score any time that he touches the football would be huge. There are not enough players on this team that can do that.

There are a number of backs in the draft that would help this roster out. Johnson should be one of them at the top of the list.

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