Giants Host Big Ten Back on Pre-Draft Visit

Pre-draft visits aren’t necessarily an indicator of direct interest, but teams can offer a glimpse into their information-gathering process through trends in their selections.

If nothing else, the New York Giants want to know more about the bigger running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft.

On Wednesday, that development continued with a 30 visit for Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who posted a photo of the facility on his Instagram story.

Johnson was excellent in 2024 as he made good on Iowa’s run-heavy offense. He led the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,537) and touchdowns (21) while earning All-American honors. His senior season is reason alone to be drafted, but it’s a Giants coaching connection that underlines his pre-draft visit.

Johnson played under Iowa running backs coach – and former NFL running back – Ladell Betts for the duration of his college career. Betts was hired by New York for the same role in late February after Joel Thomas returned to the New Orleans Saints and new head coach Kellen Moore’s offensive staff.

Running a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, Johnson isn’t the quickest back in his class. But he compensates with serious physicality and a blend of contact balance and technique that makes him both a between-the-tackles chain mover and a decent big-play threat.

Johnson may very well be a Day 2 selection, although it isn’t clear how much an incredibly deep class will impact his stock. He isn’t alone in New York’s focus, either. The team welcomed in Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins and Oklahoma State star Ollie Gordon II for pre-draft visits earlier in the week. At the Giants’ local pro day, Rutgers standout Kyle Monangai showed off his skill set, too.

All three are powerful backs to profile as solid complementary options for running back Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Tracy was excellent in Year 1, but he’s not overly physical, nor is he providing much in pass protection. Acquiring another back who can be more of a short-yardage bruiser while maintaining passing-game validity and the occasional home run makes a good amount of sense. Doing so without significant draft capital only sweetens the pot.

It isn’t necessarily a priority for New York, but finding a running back late on Day 2 or early on Day 3 remains squarely in play.