Sports
Emmett Johnson Makes Sense for Vikings
Kevin O’Connell has virtually never leaned into the idea that a running game matters. He doesn’t need to go run only and act as a coach still stuck in the 90’s, but a level of balance would be more than welcome at this point.
It remains uncertain what Aaron Jones’s plan is. Last season, the Minnesota Vikings swung a trade for Jordan Mason to supplement their backfield as well. At this point, though, it’s clear they need to invest draft capital into a young asset at the position. Jeremiyah Love would be plenty of fun if the Vikings had a top ten pick.
Midwest Prospect Aligns With Vikings Draft Needs
They don’t, though, and they aren’t using the 18th overall pick to reach for a running back either. If they want to use a second-round selection on someone else, though, bringing Emmett Johnson home makes a whole lot of sense.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote up the Minneapolis native and Nebraska product as he showcases his skills at the Draft Combine.
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.
Last season with the Huskers, Johnson led the Big Ten in both attempts (251) and yards (1,451). He averaged 5.8 yards per carry and racked up 12 touchdowns. The hometown Gophers held him in check (63 yards), but he rushed for more than 150 yards on three different occasions.
Johnson is a dual-threat back that can also be involved in the passing game. He hauled in 46 receptions for 370 yards and scored three touchdowns through the air as well. At 5’11” and 200 pounds, he’s got a similar frame to former Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook.
It remains to be seen where teams will value Johnson. A second-round pick may be tough to stomach for the Vikings, given their plethora of needs. If he falls to the third round, though, that should be a no-brainer from both a fit and value perspective.
At some point, the Vikings need to commit to the run game. O’Connell has to give in on that front, and investing in it seems like a good place to start.
