The Kansas City Chiefs added a playmaker to their offense on Saturday, selecting former Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson with the No. 161 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Here are five things to know about the Chiefs' newest running back.
1. Johnson led the Big 10 in rushing last season with 1,451 yards.
The 5-foot-10, 205-pound Johnson was among the most productive players in all of college football last year, tallying a Big 10-leading 1,451 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns. He was also one of just four FBS running backs to average at least 120 rushing yards-per-game in 2025.
Here's more on Johnson's skillset from Pro Football Focus:
"His game is built on outstanding vision and elusiveness, highlighted by some of the quickest feet in this class. That allows him to navigate traffic effectively in man- and gap-scheme concepts, where he has posted an elite rushing grade over the past two seasons."
2. His 46 catches ranked second in the FBS among all running backs.
Johnson was more than just a runner for Nebraska, recording 46 catches – the second-most among all FBS running backs – for 370 yards and three touchdowns.
Here's more on Johnson's pass-catching ability from The Athletic's Dane Brugler:
"He's a savvy pass-catcher with crisp route breaks that allow him to win against linebackers 1-on-1 (a ton of flare routes on his tape)."
It all helped Johnson become the only player in the FBS to average more than 150 scrimmage yards-per-game.
3. Johnson is as sure-handed as they come.
Despite touching the ball 297 times last season (with 251 carries and 46 catches), Johnson logged just one fumble and one drop over the course of the campaign.
Simply put, when the ball went Johnson's way, it almost always resulted in a positive play.
4. He already has a 100-yard rushing performance at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Johnson is no stranger to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, where he rushed for 108 yards on 25 carries in a victory over the University of Cincinnati last August. He also added seven catches for 27 yards in the game.
The electric Johnson will now have an opportunity to replicate that success as a member of the Chiefs.
5. Johnson is originally from the Minneapolis area.
A native of the Minneapolis area whose parents immigrated from Liberia, Johnson was Minnesota's "Mr. Football" honoree as the state's top high school player as a senior.
His accolades caught the interest of the Cornhuskers, and all these years later, Johnson is headed just a few hours down I-35 to join the Chiefs.
