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Montrell Johnson Jr. signs with NFL team as undrafted free agent

On3 imageby: Zach Abolverdi04/27/25ZachAbolverdi
Montrell-Johnson-Jr-Florida-Gators
Florida Gators running back Montrell Johnson Jr. (1) runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Mississippi Rebels during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. (Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)

Montrell Johnson Jr. has found an NFL home. The Philadelphia Eagles are signing the Florida Gators standout running back as an undrafted free agent.

The move was first reported by Matt Zenitz.

Johnson joined the Gators in 2022, following UF coach Billy Napier from Louisiana after winning the 2021 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year, and was RB1 for the last three seasons.

Johnson rushed for 3,089 yards and 33 touchdowns in his college career, including 2,251 yards and 21 touchdowns at Florida with an average of 5.5 yards per carry. 

“Running back is a production position. It’s vision, it’s instincts. I think his ability to be productive as a rookie at Louisiana, the transition to the SEC and just continue that production. Three thousand yards rushing, but he also is a leader, intelligent, character is a plus, great protection — he can process that part — and then obviously catches the ball well,” Napier said of Johnson, who also had 411 receiving yards and two more scores at UF.

Johnson played in the East-West Shrine Bowl and competed in the NFL Scouting Combine. He impressed in Indianapolis with a 40-yard dash time of 4.41 seconds.

“I think he proved in Indy that some of that finishing speed that we saw in the SEC is real,” Napier said. “Running a 4.41, but another guy that’s really dominated the interview process. Really good reviews in that regard.

“So, Montrell is a good player. He’ll play for a while. … Really, the durability has never been a question with him. I think in general, he’s proven over time that he can carry that rock.”

NFL Combine results

Prospect grade: 5.96
40-yard dash: 4.41 seconds
10-yard dash: 1.55 seconds
Vertical jump: 35.5’’
Broad jump: 10’ 3’’
20-yard shuttle: 4.29 seconds
Measurables: 5’ 11’’, 212 pounds
Arm: 30 3/4’’
Hand: 9 1/4’’
Bench Press: 17 (Pro Day)

Draft analysis

“Johnson’s running style is marked by violence on contact and all-fight-no-flight instincts. He’s a rugged interior runner who creates yards with good power and balance on contact but lacks a feel for lane development and creativity when he’s cornered. He’s a more tempo-driven runner towards the B- and C-gaps and possesses the agility to sink and cut while keeping the run downhill. He’s not very elusive but bullies open-field defenders with force to break tackles. Johnson is going to get what is there and run with consistent effort and toughness. He could compete for a role as a two-down backup.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

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