The top 5 underrated rookie running backs to watch for in 2015

August 31, 2013; Ames, IA, USA; Northern Iowa running back

(7) runs for a touchdown against the Iowa State Cyclones in the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Northern Iowa beat Iowa State 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA Today Sports

3. David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals

David Johnson was a third-round selection by the Arizona Cardinals, out of the University of Northern Iowa, and he has a chance to quickly climb their depth chart. In his final three years at the collegiate level he posted 1,000-yard rushing seasons and he scored a total of 63 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Panthers. He proved to be incredibly durable and dangerous catching the balls out of the backfield.

The Cardinals have Andre Ellington at running back and Stepfan Taylor, but Johnson should challenge both as the summer workouts roll along. Johnson runs behind his pads and is notoriously hard to tackle, although his overall speed isn’t going to blow any NFL defenders away. That said, he could be the Cardinal’s third down back this fall because of his pass catching ability (141 receptions in college).

Sure, Johnson’s college opponents weren’t the best, playing in the Missouri Valley, but his skill set should translate to the pro game. If given ample opportunities to catch passes he could rack up five to six touchdowns as a rookie as a change of pace back. Some people believe that Johnson is an elite talent and I wouldn’t argue with them. It wouldn’t shock me if he’s household name around the league in a few years.

Next: A rookie RB in the AFC East