The Unpacking Future Packers countdown is a countdown of the 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
With AJ Dillon set to hit the open market this offseason and Aaron Jones entering the final year of his contract, the Green Bay Packers will likely be in the market for a season or two this offseason.
A running back that Brian Gutekunst could target during the 2024 NFL Draft is Dillon Johnson. The University of Washington is back at No. 79 in its countdown to unload future packages.
After transferring from Mississippi State, Johnson rushed for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns for the Huskies last season.
Johnson is tough as nails and his tenacity was on full display in the national championship game against Michigan when he played through a lower-body injury.
“Dillon’s greatest strength is his toughness and attitude,” said UWHuskiesWire sideline editor Roman Tomasov. “They allow him to never have a playoff game and help bring out the best in his game on every shot.”
Johnson seeks connection. He seems to have an appetite for the physical side of the game and wants to inflict pain on defenders who try to tackle him. He runs through his arms and keeps his legs through contact. Johnson always seems to back down. According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson racked up 699 yards after contact and forced 43 missed tackles last season.
Johnson has good vision and foot speed to make sharp cuts without having to move. Although he will by no means win many foot races, he is quicker than quick and capable of cutting down plays. According to PFF, Johnson had 25 catches of 10-plus yards last season.
“Dillon has excellent strength, a strong arm and great balance that makes him very difficult to tackle one-on-one,” Tomashov said. “He likes to look for contact when he gets to the second level and has a size advantage over most defensive backs when he comes off the tackles.”
Before moving to Washington, Johnson was part of the Air Raid attack on Mississippi State. During his three seasons in the SEC, Johnson made 149 receptions for 864 yards and one touchdown. He has reliable hands and had no drops last season (five during his career). In pass protection, he steps forward to meet defenders head-on.
“Dillon tries his hardest in pass protection and he's very good at that, too,” Tomashov said. “His strength and footwork make him more than just a serviceable pass blocker at the NFL level. Although he hasn't been able to showcase his full ability as a receiver in Washington, coming from a blue-chip scheme at Mississippi State, Dillon has great hands and an advanced understanding For the road thanks to his time in Starkville.
Suit up with the Packers
The Packers need to add a running back who can help take some of the burden off Jones, as the Packers try to extend the career of the dynamic running back.
Johnson is a linebacker who can come in and do the dirty work. It's third-and-2 and the Packers need to move the chains. No problem. He handed the ball to Johnson and let him make his way three yards while running behind Elgton Jenkins.
Johnson is a physical linebacker who shreds through arm tackle and can hit other gear when he gets out into space. The Mississippi State transfer has the potential to be a threat out of the backfield in Green Bay's aerial attack.
“I'm going to draft Dillon because he has the ability to be a three-way player who has shown he can handle a heavy workload,” Tomashov said. “His best games have come on the biggest stages, even while dealing with multiple injuries. He brings the toughness, skills and attitude of a dependable professional who would also be a great addition to any dressing room.”
