Emmett Johnson NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Kansas City Chiefs RB

Damian ParsonDec 4, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson with the No. 161 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Emmett Johnson is a quick, decisive runner who excels at getting downhill fast.

Johnson enrolled at Nebraska as a former 3-star recruit in the 2022 class. He has blossomed into a pure playmaker for the Huskers' offense. He is having a breakout season, already rushing for over 1,100 yards.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Highlights

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Scroll down for the full scouting report.

Where He Wins

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- Patient runner with great vision to find running lanes. Johnson presses the line of scrimmage with a "slot too, fast through" mentality. He possesses the acceleration and burst to explode through a lane once a crease is created. He patiently attacks the LOS, essentially setting up his blocks and reading them well in real time.

- Johnson is a creative runner with run discipline to stay on the design run path for positive yards. He is a dangerous back because he will take what the offensive line blocks/creates, but has the elusiveness and electric footwork to create for himself. He possesses a twitchy lower half and will string together cuts to jump cut outside the tackle box into the open field.

- Nebraska's star back executes inside zone, outside zone, and duo run concepts well. He reads his keys and picks his spot on when to bounce or cut runs upfield. Johnson maximizes the OL's run blocking with good decision-making.

- Adept at getting skinny through small creases and reducing the strike zone for incoming defenders. He avoids big clean hits from defenders, preserving his body and health.

- Johnson runs with a low center of gravity and good contact balance. He can pinball off tackles and run through arm tackles. He keeps his feet driving forward even after contact. He will push some piles with his tenacity and effort.

Areas of Improvement

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- Johnson's dynamic lateral agility and cuts can result in chasing the big play on the outside. He will try to jump cut one too many times instead of planting and getting upfield.

- His speed is good but not great. He does not present a constant threat to take runs the distance and outrun high-end athletic pursuing defenders for explosive gains.

- Pass protection is inconsistent and needs refining. Johnson is a high-motor player, but he needs to improve his technique as a pass protector against pressure packages. It would be good to see him scan the field better for potential threats and step up to meet the defender with physicality at the POA.