The Arizona Cardinals are in desperate need of a brusier in the backfield. They have Andre Ellington who is a nifty slick Back with a great deal of spring in his step. However with durability being an issue, one has to wonder who was brought in to help with Ellington’s workload. The Cards are looking to 3rd round selection David Johnson to fill the void.
This rookie out of Northern Iowa has all the measureables with his 6-1 224lb frame but let’s be real. The fans won’t get a good look at what AZ actually paid the draft pick for until training camp. They want to know can this guy thump? How is he is pass protection and if they are on the goal-line can I trust this guy to get them six?
I’m hearing tons of praise for his hands and his ability to be a receiver. Mike Mayock even says:
“he catches the ball like LeVeon Bell”
However this is not what they brought Johnson in for. He is supposed to be the “punisher”. The make DTs on third and one pay type of guy.
Arizona has a solid team capable of making huge strides in the NFC West with a two of their contenders in the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams undergoing so much change. But in order to make the other teams fear them, they are going to need that Back who is in the “Michael Turner” or “Jamal Lewis” type build.
Here is to hoping Johnson can be the change of pace back that the Cards are looking for. Should the former UNI Panther be able to showcase more than his soft hands, you can bet he’ll be shouldering 8-10 carries a game. Johnson had better get ready for a tough in-between the tackles kind of training camp, because AZ needs him to be that heavy hitter.
Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.
