Emmett Johnson Hopes Vikings Draft Him After Standout Career

The former Minnesota Mr. Football winner is one of the top running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 8:50pm

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Emmett Johnson, a native of Minneapolis and standout running back at Nebraska, is hoping the Minnesota Vikings will select him in the 2026 NFL Draft. Johnson, who grew up just minutes from U.S. Bank Stadium, had a formal meeting with the Vikings at the NFL Scouting Combine and believes his skill set would be a great fit in their offense. Johnson is projected as one of the top running backs in the draft class after rushing for over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Cornhuskers in 2025.

Why it matters

The Vikings are in need of a dynamic running back to potentially replace Aaron Jones, and Johnson's local ties and impressive college production make him an intriguing option. As a Minnesota native, Johnson would bring an added sense of excitement and connection to the Vikings' fanbase if he were to be drafted by his hometown team.

The details

Johnson, who won the 2021 Mr. Football award in Minnesota after rushing for over 2,500 yards and 42 touchdowns in high school, went on to have a standout career at Nebraska. In 2025, he rushed for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also adding 46 receptions for 370 yards and three scores. Johnson has drawn comparisons to NFL greats like Barry Sanders, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Adrian Peterson, with his blend of power, speed, and receiving ability.

  • Johnson met with the Vikings at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
  • Johnson is expected to be drafted in the second or third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Emmett Johnson

A native of Minneapolis and standout running back who played at Nebraska, Johnson is projected as one of the top running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Aaron Jones

The Vikings' current starting running back, whose future with the team is uncertain due to his high 2026 salary cap hit.

Kevin O'Connell

The head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who met with Johnson at the NFL Scouting Combine.

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What they’re saying

“Hey, man, it would mean a lot. I grew up in the inner city. I lived about 10-15 minutes from U.S. Bank Stadium. I had a great formal meeting with them and (Kevin) O'Connell. I would love to go back home.”

— Emmett Johnson (NBC Sports)

“I'll say a lot of different guys. Barry Sanders is one of them. I'll go LaDainian Tomlinson, a little bit of (Christian) McCaffrey. In today's day and age, my coach also coached him, so I feel like the receiving ability from him. And then a little bit of Walter (Payton). Y'all might not know, but if you go watch the tape.”

— Emmett Johnson (NBC Sports)

“I grew up a Vikings fan. Just how downhill he was. I feel like if you watch my tape, I finish a lot of my runs moving forward. I feel like the violent part came from AP.”

— Emmett Johnson (NBC Sports)

What’s next

The Vikings will evaluate Emmett Johnson's performance and potential fit with the team as they prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, where they could potentially select him in the second or third round.

The takeaway

Emmett Johnson's local ties, impressive college production, and comparisons to NFL greats make him an intriguing option for the Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft as they look to bolster their running game. His desire to play for his hometown team could provide an added boost of excitement for the Vikings' fanbase.