You’ve probably seen the highlight reels by now. That specific, punishing brand of downhill running that made Florida fans breathe a little easier whenever the Gators needed four yards on a rainy Saturday. But when the news finally broke that the Montrell Johnson Jr. NFL draft declaration was official, it wasn't just another name hitting the ticker. It was the end of a very specific, blue-collar era in Gainesville.
Honestly, the move didn't catch anyone by surprise, yet it felt heavy.
Johnson is a guy who basically defines the "workhorse" archetype. He didn't come to Florida as a five-star savior with a million-dollar NIL deal and a custom sports car. He followed Billy Napier from the Sun Belt, carrying the Ragin' Cajuns' dirt on his cleats and a chip on his shoulder that never really went away.
The Reality of the Montrell Johnson Jr. NFL Draft Declaration
Let’s be real for a second. The decision to go pro is rarely about "glory" for a guy like Johnson. It's math.
Running backs have the shelf life of an open gallon of milk in the Florida sun. By the time he officially put his name in for the 2025 cycle, he had already logged over 550 carries in college. That is a lot of car crashes. He finished his career with over 3,000 rushing yards and 33 touchdowns. If you're a scout, you see that and think "proven." If you're a doctor, you think "mileage."
Johnson knew that his stock wasn't going to get much higher by staying for a fifth year of getting hit by 300-pound SEC defensive tackles.
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He had already proven he could do it in two different systems. He survived the jump from Louisiana to the SEC without missing a beat, which is harder than people think. Most guys who "level up" find out the hard way that the holes close a lot faster in Gainesville than they do in Lafayette. Montrell? He just kept leaning forward.
What the Scouts Actually Saw
When the Montrell Johnson Jr. NFL draft declaration hit the wires, the scouting community was split. Some loved the "pro-readiness." Others worried about the "ceiling."
Here is the thing about Montrell: he is a "system plus" back. He isn't going to outrun a defensive back in a 60-yard footrace—though that 4.41 he clocked at the Combine definitely turned some heads and silenced the "he's too slow" crowd. But he is going to find the gap, hit it with low pads, and fall forward for two extra yards every single time.
- Vision: He waits for the puller. He doesn't panic.
- Contact Balance: He has those "thick" thighs that scouts obsess over.
- Protection: He’s one of the few college backs who actually looks like he enjoys hitting a blitzing linebacker.
The Long Road Through the 2025 Season
Fast forward to where we are now in early 2026. Looking back at his rookie year, it hasn't been a Hollywood script.
After the draft, Johnson didn't hear his name called in the early rounds. He ended up signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent. It was a bit of a gut punch for a guy with his resume, but that’s the brutal reality of the modern NFL's valuation of the running back position.
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He bounced around. Philly. Arizona. Eventually, he found a spot on the Carolina Panthers' practice squad.
It’s easy to look at that and say the declaration was a mistake. "He should have stayed!" the armchair GMs shout. But that's a narrow way to look at it. He got his foot in the door. Just this week, in January 2026, he signed a reserve/future contract with Carolina. That means he’s still in the fight.
Why the "Draft Stock" Conversation is Usually Wrong
People love to talk about "first-round talent." In the real NFL, coaches want "available talent."
The misconception with the Montrell Johnson Jr. NFL draft declaration was that he needed to be a superstar to justify leaving. In reality, he just needed to be a professional. He showed he could handle a playbook, pass protect, and contribute on special teams.
Most people don't realize that for a running back, a "successful" career is often just sticking on a roster for three years to hit that second contract or pension eligibility. By declaring when he did, he started that clock.
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What Comes Next for Johnson?
If you're following his journey now, the focus is all on the 2026 offseason.
Carolina is a team in transition. They need cheap, effective depth. Johnson fits that perfectly. He isn't going to be the face of the franchise, but he might be the guy who carries the ball on 3rd-and-2 in a preseason game to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster.
The biggest hurdle is his health. He dealt with a knee issue in his final year at Florida that hampered his production. In the NFL, "available" is the best ability. He’s spent the last year getting his body right, away from the weekly grind of SEC ball.
Actionable Insights for Following the Journey:
- Watch the Panthers' Roster Moves: Keep an eye on the "Reserve/Future" list. Johnson is currently there, which means he's essentially on a "tryout" for the 2026 training camp.
- Special Teams is Key: For Johnson to make the jump from practice squad to active roster, he has to prove he can cover kicks. In the NFL, your third running back has to be a "special teams demon."
- Evaluate the Scheme: Johnson thrives in "Gap" or "Power" schemes where he can go north-south. If Carolina moves toward a wide-zone system, his path becomes much harder.
He didn't take the easy road. He didn't stay in school for the NIL money or the "senior day" flowers. He bet on himself. Whether he becomes a starter or a career backup, the Montrell Johnson Jr. NFL draft declaration was a calculated move by a player who knew exactly who he was. And in a league that tries to turn everyone into something they aren't, knowing yourself is a superpower.