Potential first-round pick announces 2025 NFL Draft decision after breakout season
Everyone knows about Ashton Jeanty and has projected him to be a first-round pick. But there's another back who has made waves in college this season, and now he's made it known whether he'll transfer, return to Iowa, or declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Iowa star running back Kaleb Johnson announced his intention to […]
Everyone knows about Ashton Jeanty and has projected him to be a first-round pick. But there's another back who has made waves in college this season, and now he's made it known whether he'll transfer, return to Iowa, or declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Iowa star running back Kaleb Johnson announced his intention to skip the team's bowl game and enter the 2025 NFL Draft.
The powerful 6-foot-1, 220-pound back from Hamilton, Ohio, was only a 3-star prospect out of high school. Despite being in Ohio State's backyard, he never received an offer. It didn't take long for Johnson to make his mark anyway, producing over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns in his first two seasons.
Then, in 2024, Johnson took on the full-time job himself. He ranked second in the nation with 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns. Only Jeanty and Omarion Hampton had more yards after contact.
Johnson also ranked in the top 10 in yards after contact per carry and total missed tackles forced despite being ninth in carries.
Primarily a zone runner, Johnson is as explosive as he is powerful. Giving him a runway is a death knell, but he'll create his own opportunities with surprising agility and quickness through gaps.
Here's what Johnson had to say in his announcement statement.
“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to take the next step in my journey and declare for the NFL Draft. This decision was not made lightly, but with great excitement and anticipation that I embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. The foundation that I have built here at Iowa has prepared me for this moment, and I carry the Hawkeye spirit with me as I move forward.
The Doak Walker Award finalist seems like a bit of a longshot to reach the first round right now because the position has been devalued, but don't be surprised if he becomes a riser after the Scouting Combine.
The NFL is about to be inundated with high-end ball-carriers, and I think it forces them to re-evaluate how far these quality players fall.
