2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska

Tyler Lawrence
Jan 1
4 min read

Updated: Jan 14

Name: Emmett Johnson

Position: Running Back

School: University of Nebraska

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 215 lbs

Class: Junior (2025 season)

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN (Richfield area)

High School: Academy of Holy Angels

Recruiting Rank: 3-star recruit, top RB in Minnesota, Minnesota Mr. Football (2021)

(Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

Draft Projections:

• Pro Football Network → Day 2, RB3–5 (late 2025 updates)

• PFF → Day 2 potential, top-100 consideration

• NFL Draft Buzz → 2nd–3rd round, RB4–6

• ESPN (Mel Kiper) → Top-10 RB, #7 overall at position

• Sporting News → Mid-Day 2, strong RB2 case in weaker class

• Consensus → Day 2 (Rounds 2–3), RB3–5 with upside for early Round 2 if testing impresses

Career Background

A three-star recruit and Minnesota Mr. Football winner as a senior (2,484 yards, 42 TDs), Emmett Johnson had limited Power 4 offers but chose Nebraska. He redshirted in 2022, saw spot duty in 2023–2024, then broke out in 2025 as the feature back, rushing for 1,451 yards and adding significant receiving production to lead Nebraska to a bowl appearance. Named Big Ten Running Back of the Year (Ameche-Dayne Award) and earned multiple All-America honors, Johnson declared for the 2026 NFL Draft on December 5, 2025, forgoing his senior season.

Career Stats

• 2023–2024 (Limited role): ~1,000 combined rushing yards, limited TDs

• 2025 (Junior): 251 carries, 1,451 yards, 12 rush TDs (5.8 YPC); 46 receptions, 370 yards, 3 rec TDs

• Career Totals: ~2,459 rushing yards, 20 rush TDs; ~86 receptions, high scrimmage yards; 1,821 total yards in 2025

Advanced Stats (2025, PFF):

• PFF Overall Grade → 85.1 (top-20 among FBS RBs)

• Yards Per Carry → 5.8 (strong efficiency)

• Forced Missed Tackles → 68 (0.271 per attempt; 76th percentile among qualified FBS RBs)

• Yards After Contact → 741 (2.95 per attempt; 45th percentile among qualified FBS RBs)

• Breakaway Run Rate → ~27.8% (60th percentile among qualified FBS RBs)

• Explosive Plays → 36 (0.144 per attempt; 70th percentile among qualified FBS RBs)

• Receiving Grade → Above average (versatile third-down contributor)

• Pass Protection → Solid for workload

Awards and Accolades

High School:

• Minnesota Mr. Football (2021)

College:

• Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year (2025)

• First-Team All-Big Ten (Coaches & Media, 2025)

• First-Team All-American (multiple outlets: On3, CBS Sports, Sporting News, SI)

• Second-Team All-American (Walter Camp, The Athletic)

• Doak Walker Award Semifinalist (2025)

• Maxwell Award Semifinalist (2025)

Character and Leadership

Johnson earns praise for his maturity and resilience, with Nebraska coach Matt Rhule passionately advocating for his All-American status and Doak Walker recognition, calling his season “one of the best in Big Ten history” and emphasizing his humility amid snubs. In interviews, Johnson reflects on trusting the process and crediting teammates, while position coach EJ Barthel highlights his mentorship of younger backs and offseason dedication. Fans and media describe him as grounded and focused, with no off-field issues, reprimands, or negative criticism found; scouts view him as a positive, team-first influence.

Injuries

No major injuries reported throughout career. Handled heavy workload (251 carries + receptions) in 2025 without missing time, demonstrating strong durability for size.

Play Style

Johnson is a patient, decisive runner with excellent vision, lateral agility, and one-cut burst in zone schemes. He presses the line, sets up blocks effectively, and maximizes yards with quick cuts and contact balance. Strong receiver out of the backfield (third-down value), he adds mismatch potential. Not an elite speed/power combo but consistent and scheme-versatile; comps include Kyren Williams (vision/receiving) or a more agile Bucky Irving.

Strengths

1. Vision & Decision-Making — Patient reader, presses holes, quick cuts to exploit creases.

2. Lateral Agility — Dynamic cuts/jump cuts to make defenders miss in space.

3. Receiving Ability — Reliable hands, route-running polish; proven third-down weapon.

4. Contact Balance — Runs through arm tackles, keeps feet churning post-contact.

5. Workload Versatility — Handles bell-cow touches while contributing in pass game.

Weaknesses

1. Elite Burst/Speed — Good but not home-run threat; lacks top-end gear for consistent breakaways.

2. Power vs. Loaded Fronts — Not a dominant pile-mover; can get stalled at contact.

3. Size/Build — ~215 lbs; may need added mass for NFL physicality/durability.

4. Pass Protection — Functional but inconsistent anchor vs. blitzers.

5. Explosive Play Ceiling — Relies on scheme/vision more than raw traits for big gains.

(Photo by Will Lester/MediaNews Group/Inland Valley Daily Bulletin via Getty Images)

Final Evaluation

Emmett Johnson emerged as a riser in a thinner 2026 RB class, turning limited recruiting hype into elite college production with vision, agility, and receiving skill. Cross-referencing PFN, PFF, and NFL Draft Buzz highlights his decisiveness and versatility as translatable traits, positioning him as a potential RB2–3 behind Jeremiyah Love. In modern offenses valuing multi-faceted backs, Johnson has Day 2 upside as a reliable starter (Kyren Williams ceiling) with rotational floor. Strong pre-draft testing could push him into early Round 2; he projects as a contributor to playoff teams with committee or featured potential.