Will Texas RB Roschon Johnson's Draft Stock Slip Following Senior Bowl Injury?

Former Texas Longhorns running back Roschon Johnson might not be the top prospect at his position in the 2023 NFL Draft, but his physical presence does warrant a look on Day 2. Will that change following Tuesday's practice at the Senior Bowl? 

According to Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy, Johnson will not participate in the rest of Senior Bowl practices or play in the game on Saturday after suffering a hand injury. According to reports, Johnson suffered a broken bone in his hand, but continued to practice and play through the injury. 

Per ESPN, Johnson will not require surgery to fix the injury. The former Longhorn will remain in Mobile, Ala., to meet with teams and learn more about NFL-style offenses in meetings as a member of the National Team. 

Johnson is projected to be a late Day 2 to early Day 3 selection in April's draft. A combination of power, speed, and physicality, the senior brings stability to any backfield that could be looking for a niche in the run game. 

Primarily serving that the No. 2 runner on the Forty Acres, Johnson rushed for 2,190 yards and 23 touchdowns during his four seasons. He averaged a career-high 6.0 yards per play in 2022 and finished with six total touchdowns. Johnson's best season came in 2019 when he rushed for 649 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry.

Johnson isn't the only former Longhorn tailback looking to make it at the next level. Reigning Doak Walker Award winner Bijan Robinson announced earlier this offseason that he would forgo his final two years of eligibility in Austin and declare for the draft. 

One of the more dynamic playmakers in recent memory for the program, Robinson finished with 3,410 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns while averaging 6.7 yards a carry. Robinson finished second among all FBS running backs in total touchdowns (20) last fall and posted career-highs in rushing yards (1,580) and attempts (258). 

Both Robinson and Johnson have been praised for their versatility in the passing game. Johnson, a quarterback-turned-running back, primarily saw action on passing down as an extra blocker, but also caught 14 passes for 128 yards this year. Robinson, who improved each season in pass-blocking sets, totaled 19 receptions for 314 yards and averaged 16.5 yards per catch. 

Robinson is considered the consensus top running back prospect in the draft and should be a Day 1 selection. 

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