While Emmett Johnson didn't have a great NFL Combine, there are plenty of NFL onlookers impressed by what the Nebraska football running back can do with the ball in his hand. His ability to get yards when the coverage dictates he should be stuffed in the backfield is the most impressive part of his game.
Pro Football Focus has the best explanation of how the Husker back did what he did in 2025. According to PFF, Johnson's 68 missed tackles forced this past season have him ranked No. 1 among draft-eligible backs.
It's worth pointing out specifically that his 68 missed tackles forced were 6th in the entire country in 2025 and have him well above Jeremiyah Love (56) and Jadarian Price (32), who are both ranked higher than him on most draft boards.
Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson: 68 Missed Tackles Forced Last Season
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 5, 2026
🌽 MOST Among Draft-Eligible Running Backs@HuskerFootball pic.twitter.com/lfIjI8cOAQ
Nebraska football's Emmett Johnson ranks No. 1 in missed tackles forced among all draft-eligible backs
At the same time, it's clear his ability to avoid contact, especially at the line of scrimmage, is why analysts like Mel Kiper have Johnson as the No. 4 running back in the entire draft despite some worries about his breakaway speed and a lackluster 40-yard-dash time at the combine.
It's also worth noting that while the Nebraska star was sixth in the country, he had fewer snaps than any of the top three names among forced missed tackles. He had nearly 200 fewer snaps than Kewan Lacy (89 MTF) and Cam Cook (101 MTF), both of whom are returning to the college ranks in 2026.
Pair Emmett Johnson's 1,451 rushing yards (also tops among draft-eligible running backs), his 12 touchdowns, and 46 receptions for another 370 yards with his 68 MTF number and it's not hard to understand why the Nebraska football star is impressing scouts and analysts as he gets ready for the NFL Draft.