Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Cleo Johnson () - 1971 NFL Draft Pick #87 by DEN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Cleo Johnson - 1971 NFL Draft

Player Overview: Cleo Johnson was a standout player from Southern University, known for his explosive athleticism and versatility on the field. As a running back, he demonstrated a unique combination of speed, agility, and power, making him a formidable threat in both rushing and receiving roles.

• Position: Running Back
• College: Southern University
• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 205 lbs

Strengths:

• Speed: Johnson possessed breakaway speed, capable of turning short gains into long touchdowns.
• Vision: His ability to read defenses and find running lanes was exceptional, allowing him to maximize yardage on each carry.
• Pass-catching ability: Displayed reliable hands and the ability to contribute in the passing game, making him a dual-threat option.
• Durability: Johnson had a reputation for being tough and durable, able to withstand the rigors of a long season.

Weaknesses:

• Blocking: While not a liability, his blocking skills were not as developed as some of his peers, necessitating improvement to protect the quarterback.
• Experience: Coming from a historically black college, there were questions about his level of competition and how it would translate to the NFL.

Projected Draft Position:

Johnson was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 4th round of the 1971 NFL Draft, with teams intrigued by his potential to develop into a starting running back at the professional level.

Overall Outlook:

Cleo Johnson was viewed as a promising prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. His combination of athleticism and versatility made him a desirable pick for teams looking to bolster their backfield.