East Carolina University isn't known for drawing crowds on Pro Day, but a private workout for running back Chris Johnson and two of his teammates brought representatives from 24 teams to the campus in Greenville, N.C.
After his breakout performance at the combine last month, Johnson is being projected as a potential second-round draft choice. He missed the school's Pro Day on March 5 because of a previous commitment, so ECU hosted another workout Monday.
Carolina Panthers head coach John Fox was among the dignitaries who showed up to watch Johnson. The Panthers are in the market for a running back, and Johnson's 4.24 in the 40-yard dash on his second attempt in Indianapolis turned a lot of heads. According to reports, Johnson was satisfied with his initial 4.29 until South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins sent him a text message that Darren McFadden had clocked a 4.27.
That's when Johnson decided to run again. In the last game of his career, Johnson had 28 carries for 224 yards against Boise State. A month earlier, he had 20 carries for 301 yards against Memphis. I've talked to scouts who were concerned that he struggled against good teams such as Virginia Tech and West Virginia, but his stock is now on the rise. At 5-11, 197 pounds, Johnson isn't a bruising back, but his elite speed may earn him a spot in the second round. I know that the Lions, Broncos and Panthers are interested. I'll ask around about some other teams.
