Emmett Johnson Fantasy Stats

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.

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson could be the second or third back to hear his name called in the NFL Draft, but he could just as easily slip into the fantasy wasteland of a Day 3 selection. Such is the nature of a running back class with no true difference makers outside of Jeremiyah Love. When and where the amorphous grouping of second and third-tier backs comes off the board will come down to what type of player each NFL team is looking for, but where Johnson stands out is that his pass-catching ability should make him attractive to any number of franchises. Johnson led all Power 4 running backs with 46 receptions in 2025, on a 15.1% target share, and he could immediately find a role as a dedicated pass catcher in an NFL offense. With so many running backs clustered together, landing spot is going to affect dynasty draft boards more than any year in recent history, but Johnson currently sits as RotoBaller's rookie RB4, and he has as strong a claim as anyone to slip into the tail end of the first round in most rookie drafts.