Chiefs were ‘super high’ on Emmett Johnson: ‘We were shocked he fell’
Kansas City couldn’t pass up the talent of the former Nebraska Cornhusker.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Emmett Johnson #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers celebrates his touchdown with Rocco Spindler #50, to take a 28-7 lead, during a 28-21 win over the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium on November 08, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images The overall talent of the Kansas City Chiefs ’ running back room was certainly upgraded this offseason with the signing of Kenneth Walker III, along with a notable addition in Emari Demercado. Those moves put the Chiefs in a position to have it low on the priority list during the 2026 NFL Draft — until a point in the middle of the fifth round, when one running back became too valuable to ignore anymore.
Emmett Johnson is the pick at No. 161! Johnson was the only player in the FBS to average more than 150 scrimmage yards-per-game in 2025.
He led the Big 10 with 1,451 rushing yards and finished second among all FBS running backs in catches (46). Scored 15 TDs, too. Playmaker!
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) April 25, 2026 General manager Brett Veach struck a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers to move from pick 169 to pick 161 with his focus on Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson. He was honored as First Team All-American and led the Big Ten conference in rushing yards last season, earning the attention of the Chiefs’ front office. Chiefs Vice President of Player Personnel Ryne Nutt answered questions from reporters in a livestreamed press conference on Monday, and he revealed that Veach was just one of the front-office members who felt strongly about Johnson in a December meeting last season.