The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to revamp their ground game in 2026, and a rookie running back might just be the key to their success.

After a disappointing rushing performance last season, the Chiefs made it a priority to strengthen their backfield. The biggest addition is veteran Kenneth Walker III, who many believe could be the most impactful offensive weapon on the roster. But it's a fifth-round draft pick that's generating buzz in Kansas City.

Rookie Emmett Johnson has already earned high praise from head coach Andy Reid, who compared the young back to NFL legend LeSean McCoy. "He has a little bit of Shady to his game," Reid said, according to CBS Sports' Carter Bahns. Reid highlighted Johnson's complete skill set—lateral agility, pass protection, receiving ability, and football IQ—as reasons for the lofty comparison.

Johnson is expected to carve out a role in the rotation behind Walker, giving the Chiefs a dynamic one-two punch. With Patrick Mahomes recovering from an ACL injury, a reliable run game is more important than ever. Mahomes will need to lean on Walker, Brashad Smith, and Johnson early in the season rather than trying to carry the offense on his own.

"A quarterback's best friend is a productive run game," and for the first time in a couple of seasons, Kansas City appears to have one. If Johnson's offseason lives up to the hype, this rookie could be the missing piece that makes life easier for No. 15—and keeps the Chiefs' Super Bowl hopes alive.