Jaguars Surprisingly Connected to Explosive Draft Prospect

According to KPRC2 Houston's Aaron Wilson, the Jaguars will be meeting with Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson. The specific context of the meeting is not explicitly said, but the Jaguars do not host prospects on top-30 visits under general manager James Gladstone.

So, what do we make of the Jaguars doing their homework on Johnson? We break down our thoughts below.

Johnson's Fit

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.

Otherwise, the Jaguars have all the reason in the world to collect every single ounce of information possible on every player they can, regardless of the player's position or draft range, and especially regardless of the Jaguars' roster construction.

With that said, it is an interesting fit to consider. That has nothing to do with Johnson's talent, and everything to do with how the Jaguars have the running back position set ahead of the draft. The Jaguars drafted two running backs last year in Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen who should play larger roles in 2026, and they just signed Chris Rodriguez Jr. in free agency. Last year, the Jaguars only carried three running backs.

Johnson is also a potential top-100 pick at the position. It is a weak running back class, but he is amongst the best options in the entire draft after an elite final season with Nebraksa. He had already started 11 career games by 2025, but last year was when he truly erupted onto the scene.

Johnson rushed for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while also catching 46 passes for 370 yards and three touchdowns, He earned First Team All-American and Big Ten RB of the Year honors, and he showed he has the versatility and explosiveness that would fit what the Jaguars like at running back.

Does this mean we should star putting running back on the board on Day 2? Not quite. It is never smart to read too much into the natural process that the Jaguars and other teams conduct ahead of the draft.

Still, the Jaguars and Gladstone can more or less address the roster however they want considering their returning players and their 11 draft picks. Johnson would certainly check some boxes, too.