Titans 2024 UDFA Primer: Can Dillon Johnson push for RB3?

The Tennessee Titans officially agreed to terms with 16 undrafted free agents following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft. All of them participated in rookie minicamp. Former Washington Huskies running back Dillon Johnson is arguably the most prolific undrafted prospect to sign in Tennessee.

Johnson joins the Titans after playing one season at Washington. Johnson transferred away from Mississippi State in search of a bigger role, and he found it in Washington. Johnson rushed for 1,195 yards and 16 touchdowns for an explosive Huskies offense that helped carry the program to the National Championship. Johnson was a key cog on an offense that featured two top-10 picks in Michael Penix Jr. and Rome Odunze, and also had Troy Fautanu, Jalen McMillan, and Ja’Lynn Polk drafted, among others.

It was a breakout campaign for Johnson. Johnson also flashed pass-catching potential throughout his career, recording 24 catches at Washington this past season. He previously totaled 149 receptions in three seasons at Mississippi State. That third-down ability will help Johnson push for a role throughout training camp.

Johnson possesses terrific size for the position at 5-foot-11 and 217 pounds. He displayed outstanding play strength via 24 bench-press reps during the pre-draft testing process. Johnson ran a poor 40-yard dash of 4.68 seconds, but his 10-yard split of 1.57 showcased good initial burst. Testing results indicate Johnson is a below-average athlete, with disappointing vertical (31.5 inches) and broad jump (9-foot-9) results.

Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are going to dominate reps for the Titans at running back, but there is competition for the No. 3 running back spot. Johnson will join fellow undrafted free agent (and former Tennessee Volunteer) Jabari Small, Julius Chestnut, and Hassan Haskins on the list of players competing for what’s probably one roster spot.

Chestnut has the advantage of experience and familiarity, although the latter matters little with a new coaching staff. Haskins is an excellent special teams player, and the Titans seem willing to give him a second chance after an alleged off-field incident. Johnson possesses the pedigree to compete, but nothing will be handed to him.

Previous UDFA Profiles:

Cole Spencer

Khalid Duke

Brayden Narveson

David Martin-Robinson

Robert Javier