The Kansas City Chiefs have finally addressed their offense in the 2026 NFL Draft.
They traded up from the 169th pick to No. 161 in the fifth round with the Pittsburgh Steelers, selecting running back Emmett Johnson.
The Chiefs and Steelers also swapped seventh round picks, as Kansas City now has No. 249, and Pittsburgh getting No. 210.
Johnson was extremely productive for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in 2025, racking up a whopping 1,451 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. He is a dual-threat back, as he also posted 46 receptions for 370 yards and three touchdowns.
Here is NFL.com’s scouting report on Johnson:
“Johnson is a hard-charging, gap-scheme runner. He brings a steady dose of urgency, decisiveness and fairly predictable run tracks. Johnson’s production and game-by-game consistency stand out despite average size and top-end speed. He steps on the accelerator once he touches the ball, but the run becomes segmented when he attempts to cut laterally. He struggles to create for himself when the point of entry is cloudy. Johnson can beat linebackers to the run fit but won’t usually run through them with power. He’s able to help as a pass-catcher and projects as a solid backup best suited for downhill concepts.”
Kansas City Chiefs Suddenly Have Loaded Running Back Room
GettyKenneth Walker III
The Chiefs already signed Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III during free agency, as well as former Arizona Cardinals RB Emari Demercado. With second-year man Brashard Smith already on the roster, Kansas City has a lot of dangerous options at the position.
Walker will obviously be the workhorse lead back, but snaps behind him seem to be up for grabs. Demercado has the most NFL experience between him, Smith, and Johnson, racking up over 1,100 total yards and four touchdowns during his three-year tenure in Arizona.
Smith got his feet wet during his rookie year in 2025, recording 323 total yards on 69 touches and one touchdown. He possesses 4.3 40-yard dash speed as well as kickoff and punt return ability. At seasons end Smith revealed he plans to put some extra weight on to handle more work.
Johnson now enters the mix, and shouldn’t be dismissed as potentially being the Chiefs’ RB2 right off the bat. He proved himself as the featured back in a huge way with Nebraska last season, and did so against some very good opposing Big Ten Conference defenses.
Chiefs Are Signaling Change in Offensive Philosophy
GettyOffensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy talks with head coach Andy Reid
Kansas City appears to be committing to the rushing attack more than it ever has since Andy Reid took over as head coach back in 2013. They are paying Walker significant money over the next three years, and have now invested a draft pick at the RB position.
With quarterback Patrick Mahomes coming off a torn ACL injury, it makes sense to take some pressure off him with a power rushing attack behind a stout offensive line. The Chiefs’ revamped defense, which they spent their first four draft picks on, will also help. Kansas City even brought in a dangerous running quarterback in Justin Fields, who could have his own package of plays.
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