Houston Texans: Reaction to Duke Johnson trade

The Houston Texans have traded for a running back by using a 2020 NFL draft pick.

In surprising news it was reported the Houston Texans sent a conditional fourth round pick to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for running back Duke Johnson, Thursday. The interesting thing about this trade is that the conditions of the fourth round pick has the potential to turn into a third round pick.

That is the case because it could become the highest compensation of a running back trade since the Browns received a first from the Indianapolis Colts for Trent Richardson. With this trade comes a few questions that will need to be answered.

• What will Johnson’s defined role be?

During his time at Cleveland, Johnson was primarily a third down back handling the passing game. Of Deshaun Watson‘s 345 completions, only 47 were to running backs in 2018. With top-notch receivers in DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller there is not much need for a third down back in Houston.

• Will he take carries from Lamar Miller?

As of right now it is still perceived that Miller will be the starting running back of the Texans. What may happen though is Bill O’Brien changes his offensive scheme to accommodate the addition. In order to do this, Miller will need to become a two-down back and Johnson is utilized in the same way Cleveland did.

Personally, even though I predicted this trade in one of my previous articles, it does not make much sense. It is essentially putting Johnson into another situation where the starting running back is already decided and he is primarily the pass catching back.

This will definitely be a situation to keep an eye on during the preseason and training camp.