Rookie Fantasy Spotlight: Storm Johnson, RB Jacksonville Jaguars
The Trashman, RosterWatch.com

Storm Johnson, RB JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 

Height: 6’1″
Weight: 215 pounds
40 yard dash: 4.5 (Combine)
NFL Comparison: Trent Richardson

Scouting Notes: Johnson started his collegiate career as a Miami Hurricane, only to transfer to Central Florida where he really came on in 2013 with 1,399 all-purpose yards and 17 TDs. His 5.3 yards per carry average all the while is quite impressive, too. For a “big” back, Johnson is very patient, waiting for his blocks to open up lanes. His size also belies his top-notch lateral agility, as he can shift on a dime. Unfortunately he moves a bit too laterally and less upfield than one would hope for a player of his build, and perhaps this lends to a problem with field vision. These knocks are where he’s garnered the Trent Richardson association. Johnson’s also lacking in top-end speed. Still, Johnson is a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield, and he has a nose for the end zone – so he’s got promise. Plus, you just can’t ignore that yards-per-carry stat.

 

Fantasy Outlook: I don’t think Johnson has enough burst and speed to be a superior NFL running back. His hesitancy in regard to forward gains troubles me as well. We’ve seen in Richardson how that can affect a player fantasy-wise. Johnson did only play one full year in college though, so he has room to grow – and he could end up being a solid back. His main obstacle in seeing playing time this season will be newly acquired bruiser and former Adrian Peterson must-have handcuff, Toby Gerhart. The Jags plan on running the wheels off of Gerhart, and if Gerhart’s incredible college career at Stanford is any indication, he’ll be up to the task. Though Johnson did work with OC Jedd Fisch during his freshman year at Miami(FL), he’s currently the No. 4 RB on the depth chart, and if he does see time on field this year, it will be on special teams. Johnson is not a viable option for 2014 redraft leagues as anything more than a super-sleeper.