Nov 2, 2013; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes running back Duke Johnson (8) carries against the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns closed out Day 2 of the 2015 NFL Draft by selecting Miami running back Duke Johnson with the 77th overall pick.
Johnson was a First-Team All-ACC selection in 2014 and left Miami as the school’s all-time leading rusher (3,519 yards after rushing for 1,652 yards in his final season with the Hurricanes. He also averaged 31.8 yards on 41 kickoff returns, an area that the Browns can also use help with.
Johnson joins second-year players Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West to give the Browns a group of young running backs.
Here is a sampling of what we’ve seen from #BrownsTwitter after the pick:
Duke is the perfect pick here. Should have gone 2nd rd and has a different skill set from Crow/West. Can catch a screen pass!
— Nick (@BuckiNick7) May 2, 2015
Important note: Duke Johnson caught 38 passes for 421 yards, 3 TDs in 2014. That'll help the Browns' passing game.
— Andrea Hangst (@FBALL_Andrea) May 2, 2015
#Browns added a playmaker on offense.. This dude can fly! #dukejohnson
— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) May 2, 2015
Duke is a good prospect. Kinda surprised tho. First questionable pick imo
— Nobody (@JimWalker13) May 2, 2015
Duke Johnson was the best consolation available after not getting Ameer Abdullah imo. Some people actually think Johnson is better than him.
— Brendan Leister (@BrendanLeister) May 2, 2015
Marty Schottenheimer must love what the Browns are doing in the draft this year.
— Miketona 500 ⚡️🥩 (@MikeAmmo) May 2, 2015
I like the Duke Johnson pick. Let's run the ball down peoples throat!
— David 🇺🇸 (@ClevSportsGuy) May 2, 2015
Good pick for the Browns getting Duke Johnson. Good feet. Really good hands. Versatile. Great stiff arm.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) May 2, 2015
This Browns offense would be so good in 1968.
— Al Ciammaichella 🇺🇦 (@Gotribe31) May 2, 2015
The @Browns got a steal in Duke Johnson. The most natural runner in the draft. Exceptional combo of vision & pitter-pat. Great hands, too.
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) May 2, 2015
The Browns selected four players during the first two rounds of the draft, picking Washington nose tackle Danny Shelton and Florida State offensive lineman Cameron Erving in the first round, and Utah defense end Nate Orchard in the second round.
The 2015 NFL Draft concludes on Saturday with Rounds 4-7 starting at 12 p.m. The Browns hold eight picks over the draft’s final rounds – No. 111, No. 115, No. 116, No. 147, No. 189, No. 195, No. 202 and No. 229.
What do you think of the Browns draft so far?