The biggest name in the 2026 NFL Draft for Nebraska was by far running back Emmett Johnson, but it certainly took a while for the Huskers to hear his name. Ultimately, the former Husker back won't have to go too far to be with his new NFL team as he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round.
With some big talent in the running back class this year, like Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price from Notre Dame, there was a question as to how high Johnson would go. It felt like his ceiling was as high as going in the second round, but apparently, the fifth round was when the Chiefs felt it was safe to take him.
It should be noted, though, that Kansas City traded up nine picks in order to secure Johnson in the fifth round.
Emmett Johnson isn't letting doubt get in the way of his football career
Johnson obviously feels as though he should have been taken sooner in the NFL Draft, but he also spoke with a Nebraska radio network about how the Chiefs had been a team he knew was high on him. Johnson spoke with the Chiefs a lot during the NFL Combine, stating the conversations were great, but he hadn't heard from the team much since.
On the flip side, though, Johnson knew whatever team he was going to, he was going to go all in, and the Chiefs are the lucky winners. Johnson isn't letting the doubt from the late pick stop his dream of playing in the NFL.
"My whole life I've been passed on and doubted, so I just know that as long as I got faith in myself and my abilities, nothing else matters," Johnson said.
#Chiefs No. 161 pick, RB Emmett Johnson says he's ready to get to work in Kansas City.
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) April 25, 2026
He adds, "My whole life I've been passed on and doubted, so I just know that as long as I got faith in myself and my abilities, nothing else matters." pic.twitter.com/MZT3dbIRIU
Johnson will be joining a committee in Kansas City with the Chiefs signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in free agency. Kareem Hunt was the main third-down back for the Chiefs in 2026 before taking over when Isaiah Pacheco was injured.
The Nebraska back probably won't see a lot of time on the field in the beginning, but Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has always loved young, strong running backs, and even though Johnson lacks elite speed, his ability to break tackles should be very enticing for Kansas City.
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