The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to be laying the groundwork for the future, with a talented All-American running back firmly on their 2026 NFL draft radar. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the team has shown interest in Nebraska's Emmett Johnson, likely through a virtual meeting given General Manager James Gladstone's reported approach to official visits.
Johnson is coming off a monster 2025 season that cemented his status as a complete offensive weapon. He bulldozed his way to 1,451 rushing yards at an impressive 5.8 yards per carry, finding the end zone 12 times on the ground. His value extends beyond traditional running, however, as he proved to be a reliable target out of the backfield, adding 370 receiving yards and three more touchdowns on 54 targets. This dual-threat capability is a perfect fit for the modern NFL and would be a prized asset in offensive coordinator Liam Coen's system.
Currently ranked as the 105th overall prospect, Johnson projects as a potential Day 2 selection, a range where the Jaguars hold four valuable picks. His collegiate performance earned him AP second-team All-American honors, highlighting his consistent high-level play. While his Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 5.55 out of 10 indicates he's not an elite physical specimen, his production speaks volumes.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein's scouting report paints the picture of a determined, downhill runner. He describes Johnson as a "hard-charging, gap-scheme" back who plays with urgency and decisiveness. The report notes that while he may not create explosive plays out of thin air or possess breakaway speed, he is a consistent, physical runner who can contribute as a pass-catcher, projecting him as a solid rotational back.
This interest is intriguing as the Jaguars' current running back room already features five players under contract. The potential addition of a player like Johnson signals the team's commitment to building a deep, versatile, and cost-controlled backfield for the long haul, ensuring they have the talent to wear down defenses in the rugged AFC South.