by Justin Melo
2025 NFL Draft
Kaleb Johnson's 3 Best NFL Draft Fits
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson has been outstanding this season. The Hamilton, Ohio native has rushed for 1,537 yards and an astounding 21 touchdowns via 240 carries. Johnson is going to be a hot commodity in the 2025 NFL Draft after declaring on Sunday.
Johnson possesses the size and three-down skill set required to dominate an NFL backfield. A decisive runner with upside as a pass catcher, Johnson possesses legitimate Pro Bowl potential at the next level. The zone-scheme runner is a standout in what projects to be an outstanding crop of running back prospects.
We've identified three potential team fits for Johnson in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have struggled to establish the run all season long. Mike McCarthy's disappointing squad recently benched Ezekiel Elliott in favor of Rico Dowdle. Regardless, the Cowboys are averaging a 31st-ranked 85.8 rushing yards per game. A failure to run the football consistently has especially hindered the offense since quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a season-ending injury.
Ashton Jeanty has been a popular mock draft target for the Cowboys, but it's worth noting the front office may not value the position enough to use a premium first-round pick. Running back was a need for Dallas last offseason, and they passed on multiple backs during the 2024 draft, even choosing a backup linebacker ahead of a ball-carrier. Drafting Johnson with a mid-round selection may appeal to Jerry Jones.
Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman believe in overseeing a run-first offense. Despite having the extremely talented Justin Herbert at quarterback, they've passed the ball just 339 times, the second-fewest of any team in the NFL. Harbaugh and Roman will continue taking an old-school approach.
J.K. Dobbins has been outstanding for the Chargers this season, but he's currently on IR after suffering a knee injury. Dobbins is also a pending free agent, and though GM Joe Horitz may consider re-signing him, the Chargers have to be prepared for alternate solutions given his lengthy injury history. Elsewhere, Gus Edwards is nothing more than a rotational back. Johnson has three-down potential, and both Harbaugh and Roman will especially appreciate his technically advanced ability in pass protection.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are among the 2024 season's surprise performers. The 7-5 Broncos currently hold the seventh and final seed in the AFC postseason picture. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix has been playing outstanding football as of late, showing true franchise QB potential while being well-positioned by Sean Payton's player-friendly scheme. One thing missing from this Broncos offense is a strong and consistent run game, and the Broncos will aim to improve that in the offseason to better support Nix.
Pending free agent Javonte Williams has really struggled, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Williams hasn't met expectations as a 2021 second-round pick and the Broncos will almost certainly be moving on. It's Nix who leads the Broncos in rushing touchdowns with four. Denver has some decent rotational backs in Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, but adding a potential workhorse like Johnson would transform this room.