Scouting Report: Emmett Johnson, Running Back, Nebraska
Jeremy Pernell assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the former Husker ahead of this week's NFL Draft.
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N2FL's Scouting Report on Emmett Johnson
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The Cornhusker "FAN" side of my brain wants to yell, "C'mon Jeremy! He's a clear cut RB1 and NFL first round pick".
The more pragmatic side of my brain tells me your evaluation is very well considered and probably spot on. Your observations are accurate based on his body of work and don't take anything away from Emmett. He can and probably will
have a very fine, valuable career as you project him.
As always, thank you for your fine writing. I always look forward to your thoughts. GBR!!
The more pragmatic side of my brain tells me your evaluation is very well considered and probably spot on. Your observations are accurate based on his body of work and don't take anything away from Emmett. He can and probably will
have a very fine, valuable career as you project him.
As always, thank you for your fine writing. I always look forward to your thoughts. GBR!!
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As a Vikings fan, I hear his name come up quite often as a possible selection in the 3rd round. I think that's early for him and I believe a lot of the scuttle about him and the Vikings is mainly because he is from the area. I'd have him 4th (Vikes don't have a 4th rounder)or 5th round. As Jeremy said EJ will not be an every down back for a team. He might slot in nicely for the Vikings next season when they move on from Aaron Jones and EJ can be a third/fourth down back with Jordan Mason being the other back. I personally would prefer someone with a little more juice who can break a big play. None of that is to disparage EJ as what he did last year for the Huskers was phenomenal. If he gets in the right situation he could have a career similar to Ameer.
You don’t see a lot of break-away RBs in the NFL anymore in large part because LBs and DBs can match elite high end speed.
Nowadays it is about (1) hitting the right hole at the right time and (2) being proficient at catching the ball and (3) ball security.
I’d put ball security #1. It all starts with not turning the ball over. Do that, and everything is on the table for success. In fact, be in the top 10 in positive turnover ratio in 2026, and you’ll be fighting for a playoff spot come November. Just can’t turn the ball over and be any good.
Emmitt was really good at ball security last year. That will help him in this draft alone. In the right spot, he can have a lengthy career, truly help some team.
N2FL comes through again.
Late 5th round pick.
5th RB picked, ahead of the two RB's from PSU interestingly enough.
Late 5th round pick.
5th RB picked, ahead of the two RB's from PSU interestingly enough.
I wish him well, but the stats aren't on his side. Looks like 5th-rounders have about a 50% chance of making the 53-man roster their first year, and only about 35% are still in the league after 3 years. I don't know what he was told about his prospects, but leaving college early when he might have had a chance at the Heisman next year is strange, but the lure of NFL money is often too much to ignore.
Don’t forget that there is the practice squad. I believe EJ has a great chance because the backup situation behind Walker is murky at best.
Last years Heisman Runner up didn't even get drafted. Pavia is a Horses rear so I was happy to see him still on the Board after the chips had all fallen!!
4 RBs currently on their roster.
Kenneth Walker - presumed starter FA signed from the Seahawks
Brashard Smith - 2nd year man out of SMU
ShunDerrick Powell - 1st year man out of Central Arkansas.
Smith has 44 carries for 151 yards as a 7th round pick.
Powell has no stats.
I suspect, assuming good health, EJ easily makes this roster.
RBs are a bit different as the NFL looks at wear and tear more closely than they do at other positions. He might’ve made a bit more $ coming back for another year but there’s no guarantee he’d get drafted any higher next year.
I suspect he’s a bit disappointed falling to the 5th round.
EJ is a horse. He makes guys miss and he has an eye for the holes. I want him to earn his way into KC's RB rotation because I want to hear the announcers over and over say "rookie from Nebraska" after he gains another first down for the Chiefs. That can only help as college and HS players consider the Huskers as a way to the NFL.
I think EJ will see good playing time looking at that roster assuming he can up his pass protection game. He would be a good change up to Walker in the rotation.
Especially with his pass catching abilities.
