It has only taken what feels like an eternity, but it appears as if Duke Johnson may finally be a relevant fantasy football player in 2022. There is a lot that can happen between now and the start of next season, but surely someone will take a shot on the running back after a strong showing to close 2021.
No one is saying he’s going to win leagues or even be draftable. However, Duke Johnson could be a relevant fantasy football player in 2022 depending on his situation entering the season. The best bet for that happening would be staying with Miami Dolphins and hoping they draft a rookie.
This was something we saw play out with both the Denver Broncos and New York Jets last season. A terrible offensive situation meant neither Tevin Coleman nor Ty Johnson produced regularly while splitting reps with Michael Carter.
Things were different in Denver where Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams divvied up touches equally. It is easy to envision a scenario like that in Miami developing which would make Johnson a viable option.
What we do know is that he ended the season as the best running back on the Dolphins roster. Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed, Malcolm Brown, Phillip Lindsay and Patrick Laird were all extremely inefficient. It is doubtful that the new Miami head coach is desperate to keep any of those guys around.
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1 reason Duke Johnson won’t be a relevant fantasy football player in 2022
There may be one thing that prevents Duke Johnson from being a relevant fantasy football player in 2022. He had next to no receiving production during his five-game stint with Miami. Five targets and four catches are worrying totals for a guy best known as a receiving back.
What’s more, his pass catching numbers have declined every season since 2017. That is crazy considering all Johnson did was catch passes for most of his career. So, while we don’t know where he plays in 2022, it is a trend to keep an eye on.
Johnson’s performance beyond that makes you believe there is a guy who can contribute in some form or another. Even if he doesn’t land a starting gig, there are several premium backup roles where he could excel. New Orleans stands out as an ideal destination in that scenario. It’s also possible he could end up replacing Gordon in Denver.
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