Chiefs Like What They’ve Seen From Rookie Running Back So Far

The Kansas City Chiefs have been riding the rushing talents of Kenneth Walker III, but he’s not the only running back in the Chiefs’ picture. They drafted rookie Emmett Johnson out of Nebraska to serve as Walker’s backup and be their change-of-pace back, and the Chiefs still believe strongly in Johnson’s talent level and his ability to produce when he does finally get a chance. 

Johnson’s stats so far aren’t that impressive, but he’s slowly learning his craft. He has just 56 yards on 16 carries for an average of 3.5 yards a carry, but Johnson has been productive as a receiver with 74 yards on five catches. He hasn’t scored his first touchdown as a Chief, but the team is confident that that will come. 

Part of it is about his ability to block in pass protection, which is an important part of Kansas City’s offensive given the need to keep quarterback Patrick Mahomes upright and healthy, especially now after knee surgery. 

Johnson stalled out in training camp in his effort to master pass blocking, according to Jesse Newell of The Athletic, largely because his timing was off and he wasn’t able to hit defenders correctly and slow them down or take them out. It’s a basic skill that’s essential in the NFL, but Johnson wasn’t called on to do it much in college. 

But one of the things the Chiefs like about him is that he’s a quick learner who doesn’t quit, and he raised his grade in the Chiefs pass blocking evaluation system to a 90, which is well above passing. 

That led to a surprising move. The Chiefs cut Emari Demercado at the end of training camp, which made it clear that Johnson would be Walker’s backup. 

Coach Andy Reid has talked up Johnson for his ability to do this, saying the Chiefs needed to see the pass protection side to be able to make that move. He described Johnson as a “smart kid,” who’s willing to stick his nose in and block, and that gave him the edge. 

The Chiefs have already seen some of Johnson’s rushing talent, which they already knew about. He forced six missed tackles against the Denver Broncos in Week 1, which tied him with running back Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons, who forced his via eight receptions. 

Johnson has also made some plays on special teams, which is part of what nearly all rookies have to do. It’s early yet, but that’s what led Chiefs GM Brett Veach to describe the running back as “just a football player,” with the potential to excel in all aspects of the game.