RB Kaleb Johnson, PIT (8 Viewers)

[Faust]

Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson named a Doak Walker Award Semifinalist

Iowa Star Earns Compelling NFL Draft Projection

Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson catching ESPN's eye as 2025 NFL draft sleeper

Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson, a breakout star in 2024, sidesteps anxious nerves just like he does defenders

Johnson is a 'beast mode' rusher for Iowa

 

[Faust]

Jim Nagy
Good up-close look here at one of 2025 draft's top breakout RB, @HawkeyeFootball junior Kaleb Johnson (6000e, 225e), who already has more rush yards (Big Ten leading 1,328) & more than 2x as many rush TDs (20) than first two seasons combined.

Big week in Mobile in front of NFL decision-makers could separate him in tightly-packed group of Rounds 2-4 RBs.

#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE

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[Faust]

Kaleb Johnson 2025 NFL Draft: Scouting Report For Iowa Hawkeyes RB

 

[Faust]

PFF College
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson vs Maryland:

35 ATT
164 YDS
1 TD

@HawkeyeFootball

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[Faust]

Austin Abbott
Kaleb Johnson has 1,725 yards and 23 TD’s in just 12 games incase anyone was curious..

Future NFL RB1

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[Faust]

Jordan Reid
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson announces that he’s declaring for the 2025 NFL draft. He finished this season with 1,537 rushing yards and 21 TDs.

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[(HULK)]

This guy is gonna be real good. I hope he gets drafted into a good situation.

 

[Faust]

Jacob Infante
The #Bears drafted the star of Iowa’s offense last year in Tory Taylor. Could they do it again this year with Kaleb Johnson?

They have way bigger needs than running back. But his size, vision, speed and balance could be dangerous in that backfield.

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[Faust]

Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson 2025 NFL Draft Profile

 

[Faust]

Iowa Hawkeyes Star Keeps Rising in NFL Draft Projections

 

[Faust]

Kaleb Johnson NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Iowa RB

 

[Faust]

Where NFL Mock Drafts project former Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson to land in 2025 NFL Draft

Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson could be an intriguing fit for the Minnesota Vikings in the 2025 NFL Draft

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the fantasy community is too high on Johnson. I see a banger with no top end speed or receiving ability. It will be interesting to see what the NFL thinks of him. In addition to Jeanty obviously, I would draft Henderson, Hampton, and Judkins over Johnson in my dynasty drafts.

 

[menobrown]

I think the fantasy community is too high on Johnson. I see a banger with no top end speed or receiving ability. It will be interesting to see what the NFL thinks of him. In addition to Jeanty obviously, I would draft Henderson, Hampton, and Judkins over Johnson in my dynasty drafts.

I actually think it's the NFL that is much higher on him then the fantasy community.

I personally don't view him as banger. Physical for sure but I think he's pretty smooth, see some shades of Arian Foster in his game.

Sometimes it can be hard to judge if a player has ability to do something or was just not asked to do it and I mean with that with respect to his receiving ability. Definitely don't expect some route running dynamo, but showed soft hands and should be functional. For sure for me his projected role in the passing game is my biggest question mark on him.

On your last bolded line. I'm out on thinking like that myself. Sure Jeanty is is my clear cut RB1 and Hampton that as RB2. Past those two , and not saying one of them won't fall victim to situation either, I find it impossible to make declarations such as your's this early in the process. To say nothing of testing and the stuff but RB is so deep this year that a ton of these RB's are going to be drafted as luxury items, to teams that have zero RB need. Some of them are going to be Charbonnet'ed or worse. That matters a whole lot to me, maybe less to you because we play in very different roster size dynasty league but I'm not trying to use round one type dynasty draft capital on someone I think I have to wait 2 or so years for the incumbent RB to depart in hopes I have something. With the weak WR class not pushing a lot down, might have to start pulling RB's who project as more handcuffs for next year plus at back end of round one, but if I'm choosing between the group the path to playing time is going to be a huge factor.

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the fantasy community is too high on Johnson. I see a banger with no top end speed or receiving ability. It will be interesting to see what the NFL thinks of him. In addition to Jeanty obviously, I would draft Henderson, Hampton, and Judkins over Johnson in my dynasty drafts.

I actually think it's the NFL that is much higher on him then the fantasy community.

Not from the podcasts I’ve watched. Besides, how do you justify this statement?

 

[menobrown]

I think the fantasy community is too high on Johnson. I see a banger with no top end speed or receiving ability. It will be interesting to see what the NFL thinks of him. In addition to Jeanty obviously, I would draft Henderson, Hampton, and Judkins over Johnson in my dynasty drafts.

I actually think it's the NFL that is much higher on him then the fantasy community.

Not from the podcasts I’ve watched. Besides, how do you justify this statement?

You could say the same way you justify your statement. Mainly reading what people I pay attention to are saying, people not in the fantasy football business and most who have legit NFL contacts who give them feedback.

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the fantasy community is too high on Johnson. I see a banger with no top end speed or receiving ability. It will be interesting to see what the NFL thinks of him. In addition to Jeanty obviously, I would draft Henderson, Hampton, and Judkins over Johnson in my dynasty drafts.

I actually think it's the NFL that is much higher on him then the fantasy community.

Not from the podcasts I’ve watched. Besides, how do you justify this statement?

You could say the same way you justify your statement. Mainly reading what people I pay attention to are saying, people not in the fantasy football business and most who have legit NFL contacts who give them feedback.

Nice deflection. Who are these people you speak of?

 

[menobrown]

I think the fantasy community is too high on Johnson. I see a banger with no top end speed or receiving ability. It will be interesting to see what the NFL thinks of him. In addition to Jeanty obviously, I would draft Henderson, Hampton, and Judkins over Johnson in my dynasty drafts.

I actually think it's the NFL that is much higher on him then the fantasy community.

Not from the podcasts I’ve watched. Besides, how do you justify this statement?

You could say the same way you justify your statement. Mainly reading what people I pay attention to are saying, people not in the fantasy football business and most who have legit NFL contacts who give them feedback.

Nice deflection. Who are these people you speak of?

If you want to have a convo we can have one but if you want to start accusing me of deflecting we are done here. Maybe you could tell me what about my response differed from yours?

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the fantasy community is too high on Johnson. I see a banger with no top end speed or receiving ability. It will be interesting to see what the NFL thinks of him. In addition to Jeanty obviously, I would draft Henderson, Hampton, and Judkins over Johnson in my dynasty drafts.

I actually think it's the NFL that is much higher on him then the fantasy community.

Not from the podcasts I’ve watched. Besides, how do you justify this statement?

You could say the same way you justify your statement. Mainly reading what people I pay attention to are saying, people not in the fantasy football business and most who have legit NFL contacts who give them feedback.

Nice deflection. Who are these people you speak of?

If you want to have a convo we can have one but if you want to start accusing me of deflecting we are done here. Maybe you could tell me what about my response differed from yours?

I for one have posted several podcasts in this forum showiing where fantasy guys favor Johnson over Henderson and Judkins. I think it's a lot easier for me to do that than it is for you to post where, "people not in the fantasy football business and most who have legit NFL contacts who give them feedback". Or at least you haven't done so yet.

 

[menobrown]

I think the fantasy community is too high on Johnson. I see a banger with no top end speed or receiving ability. It will be interesting to see what the NFL thinks of him. In addition to Jeanty obviously, I would draft Henderson, Hampton, and Judkins over Johnson in my dynasty drafts.

I actually think it's the NFL that is much higher on him then the fantasy community.

Not from the podcasts I’ve watched. Besides, how do you justify this statement?

You could say the same way you justify your statement. Mainly reading what people I pay attention to are saying, people not in the fantasy football business and most who have legit NFL contacts who give them feedback.

Nice deflection. Who are these people you speak of?

If you want to have a convo we can have one but if you want to start accusing me of deflecting we are done here. Maybe you could tell me what about my response differed from yours?

I for one have posted several podcasts in this forum showiing where fantasy guys favor Johnson over Henderson and Judkins. I think it's a lot easier for me to do that than it is for you to post where, "people not in the fantasy football business and most who have legit NFL contacts who give them feedback". Or at least you haven't done so yet.

And you think I know everything you write in this forum? Please. All you said to me is you listen to some podcasts(none you named, nor do I care) that said they liked Johnson. That's a shallow response, thought I at least explained my sources better then you.

 

[JohnnyU]

I think the fantasy community is too high on Johnson. I see a banger with no top end speed or receiving ability. It will be interesting to see what the NFL thinks of him. In addition to Jeanty obviously, I would draft Henderson, Hampton, and Judkins over Johnson in my dynasty drafts.

I actually think it's the NFL that is much higher on him then the fantasy community.

Not from the podcasts I’ve watched. Besides, how do you justify this statement?

You could say the same way you justify your statement. Mainly reading what people I pay attention to are saying, people not in the fantasy football business and most who have legit NFL contacts who give them feedback.

Nice deflection. Who are these people you speak of?

If you want to have a convo we can have one but if you want to start accusing me of deflecting we are done here. Maybe you could tell me what about my response differed from yours?

I for one have posted several podcasts in this forum showiing where fantasy guys favor Johnson over Henderson and Judkins. I think it's a lot easier for me to do that than it is for you to post where, "people not in the fantasy football business and most who have legit NFL contacts who give them feedback". Or at least you haven't done so yet.

And you think I know everything you write in this forum? Please. All you said to me is you listen to some podcasts(none you named, nor do I care) that said they liked Johnson. That's a shallow response, thought I at least explained my sources better then you.

Ok, if you don’t want to say who these NFL sources are so be it. I would love to know who these NFL people are.

Here’s a couple podcasts ranking Johnson over Henderson and Judkins. There are others.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Not to lose sight of the fact I rank both Henderson and Judkins over Johnson. That is probably lost in this BS discussion.

 

[menobrown]

Ok, if you don’t want to say who these NFL sources are so be it. I would love to know who these NFL people are.

Again with the unfounded accusations. I never said for one second I did not want to say who these sources are which give me idea of what NFL is thinking and had you just asked that instead of accusing me of deflection this convo would have gone a whole different way.

BS discussion.

One thing you got right, and that's on you.

 

[JohnnyU]

Ok, if you don’t want to say who these NFL sources are so be it. I would love to know who these NFL people are.

Again with the unfounded accusations. I never said for one second I did not want to say who these sources are which give me idea of what NFL is thinking and had you just asked that instead of accusing me of deflection this convo would have gone a whole different way.

BS discussion.

One thing you got right, and that's on you.

Ok man, you win. You're not worth it.

 

[menobrown]

Ok, if you don’t want to say who these NFL sources are so be it. I would love to know who these NFL people are.

Again with the unfounded accusations. I never said for one second I did not want to say who these sources are which give me idea of what NFL is thinking and had you just asked that instead of accusing me of deflection this convo would have gone a whole different way.

BS discussion.

One thing you got right, and that's on you.

Ok man, you win. You're not worth it.

Exact thought I had towards you when I saw the "deflection" comment and concluded you were not worth having a convo with any longer.

 

[SayWhat?]

OP, seems you need to change the thread title to Kaleb Who Has the Bigger Johnson. TIA.

 

[JohnnyU]

OP, seems you need to change the thread title to Kaleb Who Has the Bigger Johnson. TIA.

I once worked with a guy named Harry Johnson. No

 

[BigTex]

Tex

 

[metoo]

I haven’t looked at him but folks I respect have him as rb 3-5.

 

[menobrown]

I haven’t looked at him but folks I respect have him as rb 3-5.

In fantasy/dynasty I feel like it's rare to see someone other then Hampton not listed as RB2.

The main group of people I follow/listen to for draft news and info are not in the fantasy football space at all and most of them worked in the league as scouts. I have not seen them any of them put out a list yet, but I anticipate some of them will have Kaleb as high as RB2 in real football/NFL draft. I don't know about it being majority, for sure not a consensus, but expect some of the 5-6 main people I listen to and put some respect on their opinions will have him ranked that high.

Obviously if he comes out and runs like a turtle at the combine this will all change.

 

[Faust]

Field Yates
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson: 6-foot, 225 pounds

Will make his money as an elite fit in a zone running scheme: patient, decisive, plays with great vision

But also a real factor in the passing game

This 2025 RB class is loaded beyond words

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[Faust]

Elite Drafters
Kaleb Johnson is in the RB2 discussion. He grades out as an elite tier prospect with a 81.3 grade.

Currently he is my RB3 behind Jeanty and Hampton. Depending on landing spot Johnson could easily be RB2 overall of this 2025 class.

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[mrfrood]

He reminds me of Arian Foster. He has very good vision and that deceptive fast running ability like Foster had.

 

[JohnnyU]

Field Yates
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson: 6-foot, 225 pounds

Will make his money as an elite fit in a zone running scheme: patient, decisive, plays with great vision

But also a real factor in the passing game

This 2025 RB class is loaded beyond words

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29 receptions in 3 seasons. Yeah, he’s a real factor in the passing game.

 

[menobrown]

He reminds me of Arian Foster. He has very good vision and that deceptive fast running ability like Foster had.

I've seen that comp before and can dig it. Smooth, easy glider in a big frame. I think he's going to time a lot faster then Foster did though.

 

[Faust]

2025 NFL Draft prospect profile - Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

 

[Faust]

Matt Bowen
#Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson

Straight line speed/acceleration.

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Agree on outside zone/wide zone for Kaleb Johnson in the NFL.

Press/bend. Get north-south with the ball.

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Kaleb Johnson comp = DeMarco Murray.

High-cut. Long strider. Linear mover/glider.

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[Faust]

Colton Edwards
Kaleb Johnson is an NFL All-Pro RB.

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[Faust]

Austin Abbott
Kaleb Johnson in 12 Games this season:

262 Touches
1,725 Yards
23 TD’s

Out of 722 Running Backs, he had the 4th MOST Touches WITHOUT a Fumble..

What Matters MOST:

Size: 6’0, 225 lbs
Efficiency: 6.4 Yards Per Carry
Vision: 66 Missed Tackles Forced

He’s the TRUTH

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[Faust]

NFL Draft Files
Kaleb Johnson has elite vision.

Johnson put up 1715 total yards in 2024 with 23 TDs and zero fumbles(!!)

It’s hard not to see a bit of Le’Veon Bell with the way he excels in a zone run scheme.

Day 2 talent and my RB3

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[Faust]

AngeloFF
Kaleb Johnson - Iowa Hawkeyes

-- We see again making the surface area smaller for defenders, this time in a tight crease.

-- Uses a 'burrow' mechanism in condensed spaces consistently, like he does here. Drops shoulders to belly to aid in negation - pairing w/ early accel.

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[Faust]

2025 NFL Draft scouting report: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

 

[socrates]

Field Yates
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson: 6-foot, 225 pounds

Will make his money as an elite fit in a zone running scheme: patient, decisive, plays with great vision

But also a real factor in the passing game

This 2025 RB class is loaded beyond words

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29 receptions in 3 seasons. Yeah, he’s a real factor in the passing game.

Although Kaleb Johnson hauled in 22 passes this past season, I'm not really seeing the receiving chops to consider that a strength. That is not to say he can't develop into a complete 3-down back with some coaching, but I would not describe Johnson as an asset in the passing game right now: he is serviceable. As a pure runner, however, it is easy to fall in love with his potential. Johnson has plus vision and power and could absolutely excel, particularly in a zone running scheme.

I have seen the comparison to Arian Foster, and, like Foster, Johnson has a smooth, gliding style of running. While Johnson's top-end speed is not elite, he can open his stride and has enough speed to be a threat once he gets into the open field. Athletically, Johnson will likely test better than Foster, but he does not offer the same advantages in the passing game that made Foster a PPR fantasy force.

In a loaded RB class, I have Kaleb Johnson among my Tier 2 RBs, along with Omarion Hampton, TreyVeon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, so I don't want to seem down on him. I am certainly not.

For comparison (2024 receiving numbers):

Kaleb Johnson | 22 rec | 188 yds | 8.5 avg | 2 TDs
Ashton Jeanty | 23 rec | 138 yds | 6.0 avg | 1 TDs
Omarion Hampton | 38 rec | 373 yds | 9.8 avg | 2 TDs
TreVeyon Henderson | 27 rec | 284 yds | 10.5 avg | 1 TDs
Quinshon Judkins | 22 rec | 161 yds | 7.3 avg | 2 TDs
Cameron Skattebo | 45 rec | 605 yds | 13.4 avg | 3 TDs
Ollie Gordon II | 29 rec | 179 yds | 6.2 avg | 1 TDs
Dylan Sampson | 20 rec | 143 yds | 7.2 avg | 0 TDs
Devin Neal | 24 rec | 254 yds | 10.6 avg | 1 TDs
RJ Harvey | 20 rec | 267 yds | 13.4 avg | 3 TDs

 

[menobrown]

I absolutely think he can grow into an asset in the passing game. Put another way I think he can be a 3 down back.

If you are saying he can't because of his numbers I think you are looking at wrong. If I wanted to be snarky I might say" "tell me you did not watch Iowa without telling me you did not watch Iowa".

It's been awhile, but Kittle's career high in a season was same as Kaleb's, at 22. The leading receiver on the team last year caught 35 passes. Reggie Bush, Alvin Kamara, CMC could have played for Iowa and would have probably all struggled to catch 30 balls last year. If you think that's nuts I must mention the entire Iowa team averaged 12.5 receptions a game. I think that was 9th worst in NCAA last year, just barely beating powerhouse programs like Kent St., Kennesaw St and the 3 service academies.

 

[mrfrood]

Field Yates
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson: 6-foot, 225 pounds

Will make his money as an elite fit in a zone running scheme: patient, decisive, plays with great vision

But also a real factor in the passing game

This 2025 RB class is loaded beyond words

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29 receptions in 3 seasons. Yeah, he’s a real factor in the passing game.

Although Kaleb Johnson hauled in 22 passes this past season, I'm not really seeing the receiving chops to consider that a strength. That is not to say he can't develop into a complete 3-down back with some coaching, but I would not describe Johnson as an asset in the passing game right now: he is serviceable. As a pure runner, however, it is easy to fall in love with his potential. Johnson has plus vision and power and could absolutely excel, particularly in a zone running scheme.

I have seen the comparison to Arian Foster, and, like Foster, Johnson has a smooth, gliding style of running. While Johnson's top-end speed is not elite, he can open his stride and has enough speed to be a threat once he gets into the open field. Athletically, Johnson will likely test better than Foster, but he does not offer the same advantages in the passing game that made Foster a PPR fantasy force.

In a loaded RB class, I have Kaleb Johnson among my Tier 2 RBs, along with Omarion Hampton, TreyVeon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, so I don't want to seem down on him. I am certainly not.

For comparison (2024 receiving numbers):

Kaleb Johnson | 22 rec | 188 yds | 8.5 avg | 2 TDs
Ashton Jeanty | 23 rec | 138 yds | 6.0 avg | 1 TDs
Omarion Hampton | 38 rec | 373 yds | 9.8 avg | 2 TDs
TreVeyon Henderson | 27 rec | 284 yds | 10.5 avg | 1 TDs
Quinshon Judkins | 22 rec | 161 yds | 7.3 avg | 2 TDs
Cameron Skattebo | 45 rec | 605 yds | 13.4 avg | 3 TDs
Ollie Gordon II | 29 rec | 179 yds | 6.2 avg | 1 TDs
Dylan Sampson | 20 rec | 143 yds | 7.2 avg | 0 TDs
Devin Neal | 24 rec | 254 yds | 10.6 avg | 1 TDs
RJ Harvey | 20 rec | 267 yds | 13.4 avg | 3 TDs

I think he looks great catching the ball and dangerous when he does. So many NFL players do not get many receptions in college but do in the NFL. Even Bijan did not get much in the passing game in college.

 

[JoeKappBudGrant]

I absolutely think he can grow into an asset in the passing game. Put another way I think he can be a 3 down back.

If you are saying he can't because of his numbers I think you are looking at wrong. If I wanted to be snarky I might say" "tell me you did not watch Iowa without telling me you did not watch Iowa".

It's been awhile, but Kittle's career high in a season was same as Kaleb's, at 22. The leading receiver on the team last year caught 35 passes. Reggie Bush, Alvin Kamara, CMC could have played for Iowa and would have probably all struggled to catch 30 balls last year. If you think that's nuts I must mention the entire Iowa team averaged 12.5 receptions a game. I think that was 9th worst in NCAA last year, just barely beating powerhouse programs like Kent St., Kennesaw St and the 3 service academies.

Kaleb caught a higher % of Iowa's completions last year than Gibbs did for the Lions and Brown did for Cincy.

 

[Faust]

Kaleb Johnson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile (NFL.com)

 

[Faust]

Brett Kollmann
Just got to Kaleb Johnson.

Oh my God.

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Brett Kollman
I need to compose myself before I do a very irresponsible imo

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Thor Nystrom
KJ2 is a bad, bad man

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[Faust]

Player Profiler
Kaleb Johnson's 48.9% Dominator rating is in the 99th percentile of college athletes

Are you targeting Johnson in rookie drafts?

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Hayden Winks
Ok Kaleb Johnson

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[mrfrood]

Kaleb Johnson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile (NFL.com)

Surprised the overall rating was that low.

 

[Faust]

Kaleb Johnson Draft and Combine Prospect Profile (NFL.com)

Surprised the overall rating was that low.

The NFL.com draft grades and scouting reports are authored by Lance Zierlein. He’s usually pretty solid; however, like all scouts and analysts, he doesn’t get these evaluations 100% correct.