With the fourth-round pick (100th overall), the Bengals selected Rudi Johnson of Auburn. Johnson arrived in Cincinnati as an intense, physical runner. Armed with explosive lower-body power, vision through the tackles, and a punishing finish at the second level, Johnson became the primary backfield anchor during the franchise’s mid-2000s resurgence under Marvin Lewis.

Johnson spent his first two NFL seasons biding his time behind Corey Dillon, contributing primarily as a special teams returner. His opportunity arrived in 2003, when Dillon battled injuries. Johnson stepped into the feature role and seized it, rushing for 957 yards and nine touchdowns in nine starts. When Cincinnati parted ways with Dillon after the season, the backfield belonged to Rudi.

Between 2004 and 2006, Johnson established one of the most prolific multi-year periods in the history of the team by a running back. He received his sole career Pro Bowl selection in 2004, during which he set a then-franchise record with 1,454 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2005, he accumulated 1,458 rushing yards and an additional 12 touchdowns, significantly contributing to Cincinnati’s first AFC North championship and playoff appearance in fifteen years. In 2006, he achieved his third consecutive season with over 1,300 rushing yards, totaling 1,309 yards, and notably equaled his exact number of 12 rushing touchdowns for the third consecutive season.

Hamstring issues derailed his momentum in 2007, limiting him to 497 yards. Following the emergence of Chris Perry and the arrival of rookie Cedric Benson, the Bengals released Johnson prior to the 2008 season. He spent one final campaign with the Detroit Lions before retiring from the NFL.

With Cincinnati, Johnson compiled 5,742 rushing yards and 48 rushing touchdowns.