Dennis

Johnson

A favorite of Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris, Johnson is undersized (5'7/196) but fits the Texans’ system “ideally” per beat writer John McClain. Johnson is experienced in blitz pickup and an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He ran 4.48 at the Arkansas Pro Day. Johnson is competing with Cierre Wood and Ray Graham for one or two roster spots behind Arian Foster and Ben Tate.

Johnson (5-foot-6 3/4, 196) consistently outplayed more highly touted Knile Davis with the Razorbacks, formally beating him out for the lead back job in 2012. Johnson rushed 137 times for 757 yards (5.53 YPC) and eight touchdowns, adding 25 receptions. A Combine snub, Johnson proceeded to tear up his Pro Day with a 4.48 forty, 1.59 ten-yard split, and 21 reps on the bench. He projects as a kickoff returner and third-down back in the pros. The Texans will have a nice little competition for the No. 3 back role between undrafted free agents Johnson, Cierre Wood, and Ray Graham.

Johnson was picked up off waivers from the Texans last weekend. The Browns are rolling with Chris Ogbonnaya and Bobby Rainey as Trent Richardson’s backups. Johnson may be ticketed for a team’s practice squad shortly.

Johnson was waived by the Browns on Saturday after being claimed off waivers from the Texans the previous weekend. He’ll likely get a promotion if one of Cleveland’s three running backs goes down with an injury.

Karim, entering his fourth season, is competing with undrafted rookies Cierre Wood, Dennis Johnson, and Ray Graham for the role, and he’s rushed for 92 yards on 15 carries through two preseason games. Karim will be the second back in the game behind Ben Tate in Sunday’s regular season dress rehearsal against the Saints. Karim also has special teams experience.

Johnson was a hyped undrafted free agent who made noise in OTAs, but faded once the pads came on. There’s a chance he’ll get claimed on waivers, but his most likely destination is the Texans’ practice squad. Johnson’s size (5-foot-7, 196 pounds) is working against him.

One of this year’s most hyped undrafted free agents, Johnson couldn’t be landing in a better spot, as the Browns are extremely thin behind Trent Richardson. For now, Brandon Jackson is T-Rich’s closest thing to a handcuff, but it wouldn’t be shocking if Johnson got carries this season. He remains on the Dynasty league radar, though he’s not an elite prospect.

Johnson rushed seven times for 11 yards in the preseason opener while Wood ripped off 59 yards on 10 carries. “He had a couple plays where he got a little negative and a return at the end of the game where he’s messing around a little bit back there,” coach Gary Kubiak said of Johnson. This remains a camp battle to watch as Ben Tate heads into a contract year and Arian Foster continues to rack up mileage with an inability to shake injury.

Kubiak planned to just spell Ben Tate with Johnson, but that plan went out the window as Tate managed a mere one yard on seven carries. Johnson ended up with 13 carries for 74 yards. Tate will start next week’s game against the Patriots, but we can no longer assume he’ll be a workhorse. Johnson has earned a committee type role. Both backs will be weak fantasy plays in a game the Texans project to be trailing in.

Jonathan Grimes will start at running back for the Texans. Ray Graham and Chad Spann will serve as his backups. Grimes isn’t a recommended fantasy plug-and-play for owners playing through Week 17.