Chris Johnson SELECTED BY: Tennessee Titans Round 1(24)

SI Grade 3.83 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: All-Conference selection as a senior when he became ECU.s full-time ball-carrier and posted 236/1123/17 with 37/528/6 as a pass-catcher. Also averaged 28 yards on 36 punt returns with one touchdown. Used extensively the previous three years. All-Conference kick returner as a junior after averaging 23 yards on 21 kick returns. Posted 176/684/6 on the ground with 35/356/2 catching the ball as a sophomore.

POSITIVES: Explosive ball-carrier with home run speed. Patient, quick through the hole, and can run to daylight in the open field. Weaves through the traffic on the inside, runs with good lean, and finds the small openings in the defense. Follows blocks carrying the ball or returning kicks, deceptively strong in his lower body, and keeps his feet driving up the field. Adequate receiver out of the backfield and effectively picks up blocking assignments.

NEGATIVES: Not a decisive or creative runner who makes something out of nothing. Runs with a bit of an upright style.

ANALYSIS: Johnson comes off a terrific senior campaign in which he impacted games in a variety of ways. He possesses just average size and has an injury history, yet his ability to break games open with his speed makes Johnson enticing as a change-of-pace back and a kick returner.