Chiefs select Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson at No. 161 in 2026 NFL Draft
Kansas City Chiefs select Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson at No. 161 in the 5th round of the 2026 NFL Draft | @EdEastonJr
Following a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Kansas City Chiefs selected Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson with the 161st pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Johnson joins a reloaded running back room that made headlines with the free agent signing of Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III. "Johnson's frame lacks defining traits at 5'11", 200 lbs.
, but his running style compensates for this," wrote Chiefs Wire's Sam Teets. "He is a patient and precise runner who presses close to the line before using explosive footwork to cut into the run lane. Johnson is quicker than fast, which means he's most effective when initially breaking through the line of scrimmage and navigating the box.
" Offense's turn❗️ With the 161st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, we have selected RB @Emmett21Johnson . pic. twitter.
com/mmeNhB2msj — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 25, 2026 Last season, Johnson was named Second-team Associated Press All-American, Big Ten Conference running back of the Year, and first-team All-Big Ten. He led FBS with 151. 8 all-purpose yards per game, ranking fourth with 1,451 rushing yards, averaging 5.