Two player profiles, Two Cardinals players…..I swear I am not a Cardinals fan.
David Johnson has touched the ball 7 times and has 3 touchdowns. (Rushing 5/42/1, Receiving 2/58/1 and one electrifying Kick Return to start week 2). Obviously, the trend cannot/should not continue, but if he starts seeing 10-15 touches a game, he can be a viable weekly fantasy starter.
History
David Johnson played college ball at Northern Iowa University. You know who else went to Northern Iowa? Super Bowl XXXIV MVP, Kurt Warner….foreshadowing? David holds school records for career rushing yards, career rushing TD’s, and career all purpose yards. Johnson was selected first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in both 2013 and 2014 and became first player in school history with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He had 17 TD’s and boasted a 5.4 YPC through his senior year while never missing a game.
At the combine, Johnson ran a 4.50-40, faster then Melvin Gordon, Ameer Abdullah, and Matt Jones. He was drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals. A lot of experts saw this pick coming as he is a powerful back that was meant to compliment Ellington well. Also worth noting that Mike Mayock said “He catches the ball like Le’Veon Bell."
Outlook
Bruce Arians is a stubborn SOB and does not like to “thrust rookies into prominent roles”. The facts are CJ?K is not the answer and when the Cardinals are faced with tougher matchups than the JV Bears and the struggling Saints. Arians is going to do what it takes for his team to win. Johnson will continue to see the field more and more each week and if he continues to make the most out of the touches, there is no way Arians does not feed him the ball down the stretch.
Considering Ellington is expected to return week 4, it will be interesting to see how they utilize the backs. Looking at Ellington’s injury history, it would not surprise me to see David Johnson take over lead back duties sooner then later. Ellington is an elusive back and Johnson is better suited to carry the load week in and week out. If for some reason Johnson is available in your league GRAB HIM NOW! He could prove to be valuable down the stretch and dare I say in the fantasy playoffs.
Bold Prediction
Season long stats:
Rushing: 795/7
Receiving: 42/538/5
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