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Report: Cardinals Hosting RB Prospect for Draft Visit
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Arizona Cardinals will be hosting Washington Huskies running back Dillon Johnson for a Top 30 visit, according to NFL Draft analyst Ryan Fowler.

Johnson is also taking visits with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. 

Johnson tallied 1,195 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns for Washington this past season. He spent the prior three years at Mississippi State before joining the Huskies, who appeared in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. 

He averaged 5.1 yards per carry for Washington.

The Cardinals don't exactly have a pressing need in the running back department thanks to the presence of James Conner. Arizona would take acceptable help behind him as the team struggled to find a suitable RB2 behind Conner, however.

Michael Carter did show some good flashes in that role, though Arizona could be in search of a fresh presence to potentially learn under Conner, who is entering the final year of his contract.

For what it's worth, Conner has struggled to stay healthy, and Arizona's rushing attack saw a noticeable dip when their RB1 wasn't in store.

NFL.com's draft profile on Johnson;

"Well-built, rugged runner who relies on vision and physicality to move the chains. Johnson wears down defenses with contact balance and provides quality short-yardage value. His burst and short-area quickness fall below average for the NFL level, so he's unlikely to be an elusive inside runner or be able to stretch run games from sideline to sideline. Johnson has proven he can handle a heavier workload but is more likely to project as a grinder who can take on backup reps, short-yardage carries and third-down snaps."

Johnson battled injuries during his year with the Huskies, which included ankle and knee problems. He didn't test well at the Combine, and perhaps that's why his times weren't quite where he wanted them to be.

This article first appeared on FanNation All Cardinals and was syndicated with permission.

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