Kaleb Johnson 2025 NFL Draft: Scouting Report For Iowa RB

Kaleb Johnson enters the 2025 NFL Draft as a physical, north-south running back with a well-rounded skill set that makes him an intriguing prospect. His combination of vision, patience, and burst allows him to excel in both gap and zone schemes, showcasing his versatility.

Johnson’s ability to handle a heavy workload, power through arm tackles, and contribute in the passing game adds to his value at the next level. While he may not possess elite top-end speed or high-end lateral agility, his toughness, decisiveness, and short-yardage effectiveness make him a dependable option for teams seeking a hard-nosed runner in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Kaleb Johnson 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Kaleb Johnson is a physical, north-south running back who brings a well-rounded skill set to the field. With a strong combination of vision, patience, and burst, he thrives in both gap and zone schemes. This makes him a versatile asset in any backfield.

Furthermore, his ability to handle a heavy workload, break through arm tackles, and contribute as a pass-catcher adds to his value. While he lacks elite top-end speed and high-end lateral agility, his toughness, decisiveness, and short-yardage effectiveness make him a reliable option for teams in need of a dependable ball carrier.

HT: 6010
WT: 224
HAND: 958
ARM: 3300
40: 4.57

Strengths

• Vision and Patience: Johnson’s ability to read blocks and wait for creases to develop is exceptional for a back of his size. He presses the line of scrimmage with tempo, allowing his offensive line to set up before exploding through the hole with purpose.
• Contact Balance: At his size, Johnson consistently shrugs off arm tackles and keeps his legs churning through contact. His low center of gravity and forward lean make him a nightmare to bring down in the open field.
• Downhill Burst: Once he identifies his lane, Johnson hits it with a decisive burst that often catches second-level defenders off guard. His ability to accelerate quickly after planting his foot is a standout trait.
• Durability: Johnson handled a heavy workload in 2024 (240 carries) without showing signs of wear, and his ball security is impeccable—zero fumbles on 262 touches.
• Physicality: He finishes runs with authority, often falling forward for extra yardage. His size and strength make him a natural fit for short-yardage and goal-line situations.
• Upside in Pass Game: While underutilized as a receiver at Iowa, Johnson shows soft hands and the ability to turn short passes into chunk gains, as evidenced by his 72-yard catch-and-run against Nebraska in 2024.

Areas for Improvement

• Lateral Agility: Johnson thrives as a north-south runner but lacks the elite twitch or suddenness to make sharp cuts or evade defenders in tight spaces. His game is more linear than dynamic.
• Long Speed: While functional, Johnson’s top-end speed caps his ability to break away for home-run plays. He’s more likely to rip off 20-30 yard gains than 60-yard sprints.
• Pass Protection: Johnson’s effort in pass pro is willing, but his technique is raw. He struggles to anchor against blitzing linebackers and often relies on his size rather than proper leverage.
• Scheme Dependency: His success at Iowa came behind a physical, zone-heavy offensive line. His production could take a hit in a less structured or gap-oriented system if the blocking isn’t tailored to his strengths.
• Limited Receiving Sample: With only 22 receptions in 2024, Johnson’s ability to run a diverse route tree or create mismatches in the passing game remains unproven.

Conclusion

Johnson is a throwback runner with a modern twist. He won’t dazzle with highlight-reel jukes or 4.4 speed, but his blend of size, vision, and finishing power makes him a reliable cog in any rushing attack. Johnson is a plug-and-play option for teams looking to establish a physical identity on the ground with room to grow into a true RB1.

Johnson profiles as a high-volume, early-down back with three-down potential if he refines his pass-blocking and expands his receiving skills. His frame and running style draw comparisons to a slightly less explosive Chuba Hubbard or a more decisive Latavius Murray. In the right system—think a Shanahan-style wide-zone attack or a power-gap scheme—Johnson can step in as a rookie starter and churn out 1,000-yard seasons. He’s not a game-breaking athlete, but his consistency and physicality give him a high floor.

Round Grade: 2nd Round

Stats: Per Sports Reference

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