Between short-term and long-term needs, the Bucs have enough holes on their roster that they could go in any number of directions in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. Offensive tackle, defensive line, outside linebacker, cornerback, safety, wide receiver, tight end and even quarterback are all reasonable positions the team could focus on.

I’ll add one more to the list. Running back.

While the team is high on second-year runner Rachaad White and recently signed veteran Chase Edmonds to add to the room, the position is far from a strength for the Bucs.

For all of his promise, White only averaged 3.7 yards per carry in 2022. Edmonds’ contract is for only one year. And former third round pick Ke’Shawn Vaughn is set to be a free agent next year as well. There is a reasonable argument to be made that the Bucs should try to make a play for a running back if a talented one falls to them in the mid-to-late rounds later this month.

Bucs RB Rachaad White – Photo by: USA Today

Well allow me to introduce you to a talented running back who may be so available. Texas’ Roschon Johnson could be the next successful runner to line up in the Bucs backfield.

Johnson was a senior for the Longhorns last year. Over his four-year career in Austin, he amassed 392 carries, 2,190 yards, 56 catches for 420 yards and 26 total touchdowns. Despite his efficient performance, Johnson’s stats weren’t too robust. Part of the reason for that is Johnson found himself nestled behind generational talent Bijan Robinson, who is also eligible in this year’s draft.

And as it just so happens, while Robinson is very likely to be taken in or near the first round, Johnson can be had much later while still delivering a very good return on investment in his own right.

Roschon Johnson’s Physical Profile

Standing just over six feet and weighing 219 pounds, Johnson has an ideal body type for transitioning from the college game to the pros. He ran a 4.58 40-yard dash, which may concern some people that he does not have the speed necessary to be successful, however, his 1.52 second 10-yard split is in the 83rd percentile for the position.

This shows Johnson has the short area burst to get up to top speed quickly. And it is much more important of a measurable than the 40-time alone as there are very few opportunities to break “big runs” in the pros.

Johnson’s explosiveness drills were a mixed bag, as he had a very impressive 122″ broad jump and an equally disappointing 31.5″ vertical. All told, Johnson’s Relative Athletic Score shows he is a good but not elite athlete.

Roschon Johnson RAS so far.https://t.co/VGVugMCr7u #RAS pic.twitter.com/UYjCUaFgt5

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 5, 2023

How Johnson’s Skill Set Could Help The Bucs

Texas RB Roschon Johnson – Photo by: USA Today

Remember that 10-yard split I talked about earlier? It shows up on tape. Johnson consistently gets to top speed after just a few steps as he blasts through the line. He compliments that burst with impressive power and contact balance. Johnson stymies defenders attempts to bring him down on a regular basis.

While his 46 forced missed tackles did not light up the leaderboard in 2022, his 49% forced missed tackle rate was number one in college football among backs with at least 75 carries. He even outpaced Robinson in that area. Forced missed tackles are, for me, one of the most translatable stats from college to pros. And that missed tackle forced rate wasn’t just a one-year aberration. In 2021 Johnson forced 40 missed tackles on 94 carries, giving him an almost equally impressive 43% rate.

Johnson should be able to come into the NFL and immediately contribute as a rookie due to other parts of his game that are less heralded by fans but receive more emphasis from NFL evaluators. His pass blocking is some of the best I have seen from a college back. He can quickly identify free rushers, line them up, keep his head up and square the block rather than simply lose sight of his assignment as he tried to blindly throw his shoulder into them.

For his career, Johnson only dropped five of 60 catchable passes per Pro Football Focus, giving him a very respectable 92% catch rate. He forced another 15 missed tackles in these situations while hauling in three of his five contested catch opportunities.

Count Roschon Johnson as one of “My Guys”. No assignment too big for him. Constantly found work as a blocker when the ball wasn’t in his hands. Ran with power and purpose. Forced tons of missed tackles. Good vision. A lot of what’s to love wouldn’t be found on a highlight reel.

— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) April 8, 2023

This blend of blocking and receiving skills gives Johnson an easy path to playing time as a reliable third down back with the upside to be a bell cow due to his blend of strength, power and frame.

Roshcon Johnson’s Drawbacks

Texas RB Roschon Johnson Photo By: USA Today

Johnson isn’t a perfect prospect. That’s why he may be available between the third and fifth rounds. As I mentioned before, he doesn’t have the long speed that pops up on highlight reels. He most likely will never have a 98-yard touchdown run a la Ronald Jones in 2020.

And he doesn’t show plus change of direction skills. This is most likely why he opted out of the three-cone and short shuttle drills at the combine. He doesn’t show a jump cut or the ability to quickly move laterally on the drop of a dime to make defenders whiff on their tackle attempts. And while it doesn’t always show, he can run with an upright pad level from time to time.

Despite these drawbacks Johnson still shows enough of the baseline skills NFL teams would want from a running back to be a solid bet as an addition to the Bucs running backs room that would elevate both the group’s floor and it’s ceiling.

And there is some interest from the Bucs. In addition to having an informal interview with him at the NFL Scouting Combine, they recently hosted Johnson as one of their top 30 visits. The team is looking to add power and anger to their backfield, and Johnson fits the bill.