Rookie David Johnson is 'going to make Andre (Ellington) pick up his game,' says RB coach

Perhaps the most-talked about draft pick for the Arizona Cardinals this offseason is third-round pick David Johnson, a running back out of Northern Iowa. At 6-1 and 224 pounds with 4.5 speed, he was taken first and foremost to be used as a short-yardage back. The Cardinals also got a very good pass catcher and elusive runner.

Running backs coach Stump Mitchell was a guest on The Doug and Wolf Show on Arizona Sports 98.7, and he was asked about Johnson and how he fits. Mitchell spoke highly of the young man.

He's coachable. He's a smart young man, he's physical," he said. "He's going to make Andre (Ellington) pick up his game when given the opportunity."

Johnson is very confident in his ability and in some ways is a bigger version of Ellington. Both are able to run the ball inside and out, and both are able to line up at receiver and create mismatches. Johnson began in college as a receiver, so it would not be something new. Ellington proved he was good at it in his rookie season, but had never played the position before.

Ellington struggled in 2014 with injuries and averaged only 3.3 yards per carry after averaging 5.5 his rookie season. Johnson has the tools to be able to take playing time away from Ellington, which should push him to be better, which should be great for the Arizona Cardinals offense overall.