Emmett Johnson

Emmett Johnson News

Andy Reid Compares Emmett Johnson to LeSean McCoy

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has compared rookie fifth-round running back Emmett Johnson to former six-time Pro Bowl RB LeSean McCoy, according to Grant Gordon of NFL.com. Reid believes Johnson can contribute on the ground, as a pass-catcher, and on special teams. "First of all, he's got a good feel for things, a smart kid, good kid. He's got that lateral quickness. We had LeSean McCoy here for a bit, and he has a little bit of that to him, where he can shift gears and still get himself up the field quickly," said Reid, who coached McCoy with the Philadelphia Eagles and for a season with the Chiefs. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are both gone, but the Chiefs added Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, Emari Demercado, and Johnson to a RB room that still includes Brashard Smith. Johnson was the sixth RB off the board in the 2026 NFL draft, but he was first in the FBS in 2025 with 151.8 all-purpose yards per game. He also had a career-high 1,451 rushing yards and 370 receiving yards at Nebraska last year. Because of his three-down skill set, if anything were to happen to Walker, who has a history of lower-body injuries, Johnson could benefit right away in 2026. Consider the 22-year-old a dynasty sleeper and a handcuff to Walker in single-year fantasy leagues.

May 5, 2026 8:16 AM EST

Chiefs "Super High" on Emmett Johnson

The Kansas City Chiefs were "super high" on former Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson before selecting him in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL draft, and vice president of player personnel Ryne Nutt said the team was surprised he was still available in the fifth round when they traded up to take him. Johnson was the only player in college football to average more than 150 scrimmage yards per game last year, and he led the Big 10 with 1,451 rushing yards and finished second among all RBs in catches (46) while also scoring 15 touchdowns. He was graded as high as a third-round pick by some analysts. "He's a juke button, he has very good feet, vision, feel, and he's very good out of the backfield," Nutt described. The Chiefs lost Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt in free agency, but they signed former Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III. Johnson is projected to be the immediate backup to Walker in the lead-back role, and Arrowhead Pride's Ron Kopp Jr. doesn't think we should be surprised if he earns his way onto the field on passing downs. At the very least, Johnson will be a handcuff option as a late-round flier in fantasy football redraft leagues in 2026.

Apr 30, 2026 10:44 AM EST

Chiefs Bolster Backfield With Emmett Johnson in the Fifth Round

The Kansas City Chiefs have selected Nebraska running back prospect Emmett Johnson with the 161st overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson was widely regarded as one of the top running backs available on Day 3, mostly because of his ability to join any system and take on an immediate role in the passing game. He had 46 catches, 370 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns at school last year, so we wouldn't be surprised if he consistently gets onto the field on third down. There's significant receiving upside here, but Johnson is a proven ball-carrier, too. He led the Big 10 in carries (251) and rushing yards (1,451) last year. With that said, the Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to a large contract this offseason, so Johnson's short-term ceiling on early downs is likely a change-of-pace back. Most of his short-term value will come in PPR leagues, as he might be able to carve out a steady receiving role on third downs.

Apr 25, 2026 10:59 AM EST