NFL Draft Top Ten Running Backs: #4 Emmett Johnson

Continuing this series, where I highlight my top ten favorite running backs from the upcoming NFL draft class, the current or former pro they remind me of most, and whether I see them as a fit for Ben Johnson’s offense this season for the Chicago Bears. Remember, these are NOT fantasy rankings or even who I think will get drafted in order but simply my top backs based on tape, measurables, production and my own personal taste.

#4: Emmett Johnson – Nebraska – VERSATILE

When you think of all-time great Nebraska RBs, who do you think of? Lawrence Philips is first to come to my mind, but Ahman Green and Ahmeer Abdullah were also former Cornhuskers, along with a pair of all-time great 49ers – Roger Craig and Tom Rathman. Of course, Nebraska has always had some of the best dual-threat QBs of all time in Tommy Frazier, Eric Crouch and Scott Frost, but there are already enough articles on QB out there.

Quick Story: Early 2000’s, I was on Chicago Bears dot com and got to ask Brian Urlacher a question. I asked him who was the toughest RB to tackle and his answer? Ahman Green.

Emmett Johnson doesn’t pack a punch quite like Ahman Green or Lawrence Philips and he isn’t the deep speed demon like Ahmeer Abdullah, but he may be the most complete back of the bunch with his well-rounded skill set. Johnson had an elite score for me in Vision and excellent marks in Agility, Durability/Toughness and Receiving skills. In fact, the only aspects of his game that were not at least above-average were his Speed, Explosiveness and Production. While he did post terrific numbers this season with over 1,800 total yards (370 receiving), 15 TDs (3 receiving) a 5.8 yard per carry average and a long rush of 70 yards and long reception of 56 yards, Johnson hadn’t done much prior to this season. But the overall profile of Emmett Johnson is absolutely impressive. Especially when considering the Cornhuskers have not been the perennial contenders that they once were in their glory days of the 80s and 90s. In the last 10 seasons, only 3 Nebraska offensive linemen have been drafted, and not a single lineman (offensive or defensive) was even invited to the combine this year.

Emmett Johnson WAS the Nebraska offense this past season. And teams still couldn’t stop him. Similar to my Pro Comp for him.

Pro Comp: LeSean McCoy

Johnson: 5’10”, 202lb, 4.56 forty, 1.59, 35.5” vert, 10’ broad, 7.32 3-cone, 4.29 shuttle, 30 1/4” arms, 9 3/4” hands, 16 reps

Shady: 5’10”, 198lb, 4.45 forty, 1.52, 29” vert, 8.75 broad, 6.82 3-cone, 4.18 shuttle, 31 3/4”arms, 8 7/8” hands, 17 bench

Undersized with elite vision and “phonebooth quickness,” these two backs made a name for themselves making defenders look silly for trying to tackle them. Though Shady has more speed, Emmett is a bit more hard-nosed between the tackles and has far superior ball security. Did you know McCoy fumbled over 20 times throughout his 12 year career, averaging 2 fumbles per season? Meanwhile, Johnson put the ball on the ground one time this past season and it was in his best game where he ran 10 times for 140 yards and 2 scores on the ground and another TD through the air. Speaking of air attacks, both backs can run routes and catch passes like a 3rd down specialist while also having the toughness, pass-blocking and burst to be a factor on early downs as well.

McCoy entered the league in the 2nd round as a 21-year-old, and Johnson will be 23 midway through his rookie season. I would be fairly shocked if Johnson was taken on the first two days and would assume he lands as an immediate RB2 upgrade and change-of-pace “fan-favorite” as a rookie. Both Shady and Emmett are more scheme-dependent playmakers than universal soldiers, but if paired with a creative play caller where he is schemed touches in space, Johnson should immediately make an impact in the league. Can he eclipse 1k yards in his second season and make All-Pro and Pro Bowl in his third year like Shady? Time will tell, but if he joins a roster with a Hall of Fame QB and play caller like Shady did, watch out. Check out some footage of each.

Fit for Bears? Yes.

Johnson has slightly better deep speed than last year’s rookie RB Kyle Monangai, but is much more of a passing game threat, which is what we would need if/when Swift moves on. Emmett has the vision and burst to exploit any lanes that the defense give them and would absolutely be schemed open on some routes with Caleb under center and Ben calling plays. If he is available in the 4th round, I would be happy to see him land in Chicago.