Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
Size:
Height: 6010
Weight: 224
Arm: 33”
Hand: 9 ⅝”
Accomplishments:
All-Big-Ten Honorable Mention (2022)
“Kaleb Johnson thrives in zone-running schemes and is ready for the next level and projects as a valuable asset to an organization's running back room.”
Strengths:
Decisive runner
Presses vertically well
Strong in pass protection
Upside as a pass-catcher
Size
Concerns:
Struggles when the track is dirty
Not an abruptly elusive back
Lacks an NFL 2nd gear to breakaway
Film Analysis:
In just his third season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Kaleb Johnson has already solidified himself as one of the best backs in the Big Ten. Running the ball within a pro run scheme shows that Johnson is ready for the next level and projects as a valuable asset to an organization's running back room.
Johnson thrives in zone-running schemes. Behind a strong offensive line at Iowa, he is the spark that makes the run game go. He’s fantastic at anticipating defensive movement within a play, most notably in wide-zone schemes, where he always lets his linemen determine the most optimal route for yardage. Even while staying patient to read defenders, Johnson does a great job of pressing vertically before deciding whether to stay on his track or attack the backside.
He has a fluid lower body that rolls with the punches. Despite being an upright runner, Johnson has a knack for squeezing through tight windows and finding open space. His size makes him an ideal candidate for a workhorse back role. While he’s neither overly powerful nor abruptly elusive, he blends both traits to be a well-rounded back.
His versatility, and more importantly, his translatability, stems from his abilities as a pass protector and his potential as a pass-catcher. Though there’s not much volume in the passing game for him in Iowa’s offense, he has natural hands and quickly gets upfield when he has the ball.
What holds me back from fully endorsing Johnson is his running style. He’s not a burner once he gets past the line of scrimmage, but he’ll hurt defenses in different ways. His profile as a runner doesn’t offer much when the track is dirty and he’s forced to make defenders miss in the backfield, but once he establishes a lane, he’s hard to stop.
All in all, Johnson is a day-one difference maker for an NFL offense. Pairing him with a change-of-pace back could be an excellent way to maximize his value.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Exposures: Minnesota (2024), Ohio State (2024), Washington (2024)
