Why Emmett Johnson Feels Like the Vikings’ Next Young RB

Dylan Widger For the first time in seven years, it feels like the Minnesota Vikings are on the brink of drafting a rookie running back in the first four rounds or so of the NFL draft — and all the hints are pointing at Nebraska tailback Emmett Johnson . Johnson has become one of the cleaner RB matches for Minnesota. Of course, like every prospect, Johnson is not a shoo-in to turn purple, but the evidence is stronger for him than for any other rookie runner.

Several Vikings Clues Keep Pointing toward Emmett Johnson The Vikings have four picks in the Top 100 next week. Johnson may be one of them. Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson crosses the goal line for a touchdown during first-half action against USC on Nov.

16, 2024, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. The play highlights Johnson’s burst and finishing ability as he capitalizes on a red-zone opportunity in a high-profile nonconference matchup. Mandatory Credit: Gary A.

Vasquez-Imagn Images. The “College Production” Theory Here’s a newsflash: the Vikings need to draft good players. They haven’t really done that in the last four years, outside of a few notable exceptions.