Jaguars Explore Versatile Nebraska RB Ahead of Draft

Jacksonville has 11 picks, including four in the top 100, to address roster needs.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:19pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in motion, broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in teal, gold, and black, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The Jaguars' pre-draft exploration of versatile running back prospects like Emmett Johnson reflects their commitment to improving the roster through the 2026 NFL Draft.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars are doing their due diligence on Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson, a versatile prospect who is projected to be a top-100 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite having two young running backs and a recent free agent signing, the Jaguars are gathering information on Johnson, who had a standout 2025 season for the Cornhuskers.

Why it matters

The Jaguars have a lot of draft capital to work with, including 11 total picks and four selections between the 56th and 100th overall choices. While running back may not be an immediate need, the team is exploring all options to improve the roster through the draft.

The details

Johnson is coming off a dominant 2025 campaign at Nebraska, where he rushed for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns while also catching 46 passes for 370 yards and 3 scores. He earned First Team All-American and Big Ten Running Back of the Year honors. The Jaguars have not hosted prospects on top-30 visits under GM James Gladstone, but they are meeting with Johnson, likely through a Zoom call, to gather more information on the potential top-100 pick.

  • Johnson had already started 11 career games by 2025 before his breakout 2025 season.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April.

The players

Emmett Johnson

A versatile running back from the University of Nebraska who is projected to be a top-100 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout 2025 season.

James Gladstone

The general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars who does not typically host prospects on top-30 pre-draft visits.

Bhayshul Tuten

A running back drafted by the Jaguars in 2025 who is expected to play a larger role in 2026.

LeQuint Allen

A running back drafted by the Jaguars in 2025 who is expected to play a larger role in 2026.

Chris Rodriguez Jr.

A running back signed by the Jaguars in free agency this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“It is hard for me to ever say I am surprised in the Jaguars doing pre-draft work on a prospect, unless it is a top-five pick quarterback prospect.”

— John Shipley, Author

What’s next

The Jaguars will continue their evaluation of Emmett Johnson and other prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft in April.

The takeaway

Despite having a crowded running back room, the Jaguars are leaving no stone unturned in their draft preparation, exploring all options to improve the roster with their 11 total picks, including four in the top 100.