Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid sees some LeSean McCoy in Emmett Johnson’s game after just one rookie minicamp practice
Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid likes what he’s seen from 2026 NFL Draft pick Emmett Johnson after just a single rookie minicamp practice. He’s even gone so far as to compare his game to Shady McCoy.
The Kansas City Chiefs held their first rookie minicamp practice on Friday, May 1, and several draft picks are already drawing the coaching staff’s attention.
Speaking to media members ahead of the team’s second practice on Saturday, Chiefs HC Andy Reid shared his first impressions of a few new players. His comments about Nebraska RB Emmett Johnson, pick No. 161 in Round 5, were truly exciting.
New Chiefs RB Emmett Johnson Quick Facts & Stats
Johnson played under former Carolina Panthers HC Matt Rhule at Nebraska. He says everything he learned with the Cornhuskers has already translated really well to Kansas City and the NFL.
- Appeared in 41 games and started 23 games at Nebraska over four seasons.
- 251 carries for 1,451 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in 2025.
- 46 catches for 370 yards and three receiving touchdowns in 2025.
- First-Team All-American, First-Team All-Big Ten, Big Ten Running Back of the Year in 2025.
New Chiefs RB Emmett Johnson’s style is already reminding Andy Reid of LeSean McCoy
Asked about his first impression of Emmett Johnson, Chiefs HC Andy Reid mentioned a lot of things that he likes about him so far. He also brought up a comparison from his past, both as a head coach with the Chiefs and the Eagles.
“Yeah, first of all, he’s got a good feel for things,” Reid said of Johnson. “Smart kid, good kid, and he’s got that lateral quickness. I mean, we had LeSean McCoy here for a bit, and he’s got a little bit of that to him, where he can shift gears and still get himself upfield quickly.”
Shady McCoy, of course, was a member of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV roster, but was drafted by Reid and Brett Veach in Philadelphia back in 2009. McCoy was known as one of the league’s most elusive backs during his playing days, so this isn’t a comparison to take lightly. It’s a bit irresponsible, but also exciting in the same vein as Reid’s post-draft comparison for Peter Woods.
Beyond the lateral quickness and acceleration, Reid seems to see an all-purpose running back in Johnson so far. Admittedly, they’ve not done any live tackling or padded practices, so there’s still more to glean, but it’s a good start for the rookie.
“I like the way he’s pass-protected,” Reid continued. “I like the way he catches the football, and it looks like he can do that here. We’re not doing live stuff, but the catching part, he does easily. And probably most of all, I just like his smarts.”
Special teams could be Emmett Johnson’s path to contribute early with the Chiefs
While Kenneth Walker is expected to be the lead back in Kansas City, the Chiefs are already looking for unique ways to use Johnson. Andy Reid says he’s already begun to carve out a role on special teams with Dave Toub.
“He’s gonna help on special teams, too,” Reid said of Johnson. “So Dave (Toub) has him in that up back position on the punt team, and able to make all the calls and get guys going in the right direction.”
“Whatever the team needs, man,” Johnson told reporters. “If they need me to run down there and kick off, do kick return, gunner, whatever they need. I told Coach, ‘I’m willing to do whatever it takes for the team to win.’ So, I’m just looking forward to any opportunity I get on special teams. That’s super important. Field position is super important, too.”
Asked about any experience as a return specialist, Johnson had to draw on his high school days played at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota.
“I do,” Johnson said. “I know it was high school, but you know, they didn’t kick the ball to me. They kicked it away. So, if that says much… I’m good at returning.”