The Minnesota Vikings are heading into the 2026 season with a bit of uncertainty in their backfield. While they've managed to hold onto Aaron Jones with a reworked contract, his 31 years and recent injury woes cast a shadow over his reliability. Behind him, Jordan Mason is more of a traditional between-the-tackles runner, leaving the Vikings eager to bolster their options.
With free agency offering slim pickings, the Vikings are likely setting their sights on the 2026 NFL Draft to find a fresh face for their running game. One name generating buzz is Nebraska's Emmett Johnson. According to draft analyst Ryan Fowler, Johnson is scheduled to visit the Vikings soon-a clear signal of their interest.
Johnson is turning heads as potentially the second-best running back in this draft class, right behind Notre Dame's standout, Jeremiyah Love. Last year, Johnson was named Big Ten RB of the Year after racking up 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns-a testament to his prowess on the field.
Standing at 5-foot-10 and weighing 202 pounds, Johnson possesses the ideal build for an NFL running back, combining speed and power in an enticing package. While he may not yet be a top-tier pass-catcher, he shows promise in that area.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein describes Johnson as a hard-charging, gap-scheme runner who brings urgency and decisiveness to every play. His consistency and production are impressive, even if his size and speed are average by NFL standards.
Johnson accelerates quickly with the ball but can struggle with lateral movement and creating plays when the path isn't clear. Though not known for bulldozing through defenders, he can outpace linebackers and contribute as a pass-catcher, making him a solid fit for downhill running schemes.
While the Vikings might be out of reach for Jeremiyah Love without a significant trade, Johnson presents a viable and exciting option, likely available on Day 2 of the draft. His addition could provide the spark the Vikings need in their running game, setting them up for a more dynamic offense.