Arizona Cardinals select running back David Johnson in NFL Draft’s third round

The Arizona Cardinals didn’t go with a running back in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft as many fans wanted, but they did take one two rounds later.

With the 86th overall pick, the Cardinals selected running back David Johnson, who was a four-year starter after redshirting at Northern Iowa.

The 6-foot-1, 224-pound running back played in the 2015 Senior Bowl and was named first-team All-Missouri Valley Football Conference in both 2013 and 2014. He became the first player in school history to post three consecutive 1,000-yard season.

This is a dream come true! #BirdGang

— David Johnson (@DavidJohnsonRB) May 2, 2015

Johnson was also named a third-team FCS All-American in 2014 after breaking 15 school records. He racked up career high of 1,553 yards and 17 touchdowns on 287 carries in his senior season, and he had eight games of more than 100 yards rushing, including a 205-yard, three-touchdown effort against Missouri State on Nov. 22.

On the Cardinals, Johnson will compete with a running back corps that includes Andre Ellington, Stepfan Taylor, Marion Grice and Kerwynn Williams. The Cardinals only gained 1,308 yards on the ground last season, second-worst in the NFL. Also, the team’s 3.3 yards per carry was the lowest mark in the league.

Johnson said he knew the Cardinals had some interest in him after he spoke with running backs coach Stump Mitchell at the Senior Bowl.

“They said they were looking for a bigger back,” Johnson said. “They said I fit that mold really (well).”

The former Northern Iowa Panther said he’s ready take the pounding of NFL defenses, but he also touted his abilities in the passing game.

“Something that a lot of teams don’t really look into with bigger running backs is my ability to catch out of the backfield,” he said.

Johnson caught more than 30 passes in each of his four seasons with the Panthers, topping out at 536 yards receiving in his senior season. He also tallied 14 receiving touchdowns in his four-year career.

The Clinton, Iowa, native also said he believes he can become a three-down back for the Cardinals.

“I’m able to catch the ball out of the backfield on third downs, and then, with my bigger frame, I’m able to protect for (quarterback) Carson Palmer and make sure that he doesn’t get hit — make sure he stays healthy,” Johnson said.