Can RB Emmett Johnson Become the Chiefs No. 2 RB?

By Shane Hallam | Updated on Sat, Apr 25 2026 7:01 PM UTC

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson in Round 5 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson’s college path wasn’t linear. He arrived as an overlooked recruit, redshirted, and then climbed past veteran competition before losing touches in 2024. Even in a split backfield, his receiving stood out, culminating in a 39-catch season that foreshadowed a larger role. When Nebraska committed fully in 2025, Johnson responded with 1,451 rushing yards and a class-high 46 receptions. Among the 20 RBs invited to the NFL Combine, Johnson ranked first in 2025 rushing market share (82.4%), and 15th in yards after contact per attempt (2.95). He ranked fourth in 2025 missed tackles forced per attempt (0.27) and sixth in receiving yards per route run (1.27). He is currently 22 years old.

What They're Saying

Draft Sharks Rookie Guide: “The efficiency mostly held up under volume, with Johnson ranking top-15 in yards per carry, PFF rushing grade, and elusive rating among high-usage backs. His lack of power shows up in yards after contact, but his vision, route running, and after-catch ability give him multiple paths to fantasy relevance.”

2026 Fantasy Football Impact

The Chiefs brought in RB Kenneth Walker in free agency, but the depth behind Walker is lacking. Brashard Smith and Emari Demercado offer little upside. That makes Johnson the favorite to be the No. 2 RB on the team.

If Johnson does win the back-up job, he should be considered one of the better RB handcuffs for 2026. Walker has a history of lower body injuries that are worth nothing.

Johnson’s receiving ability combined with his final year of production make him an dart throw late round redraft pick in deep leagues.

Dynasty Impact

Johnson will be blocked by Walker from ascending the depth chart. If Walker does miss time due to injury, Johnson could prove himself and increase his dynasty value.

The Round 5 draft capital doesn’t insulate his position on the roster, but the upside is worth taking in rookie drafts.

If Johnson falls to the third of rookie drafts, he can be considered due to his upside.

Learn more about Emmett Johnson’s Dynasty Value

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.