Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson continues to make his case as one of the most talented players in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle. Below we check out his 2024 season stats, mock draft projection, and much more.
Where Did Kaleb Johnson Project in Our 7-Round NFL Mock Draft?
In the latest mock draft from Pro Football Network NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Johnson fell to the last pick in the second round, getting drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. After two straight Super Bowls, the Chiefs add another weapon to their already stacked arsenal.
“He’s an instinctive, smooth, and fluid long-striding runner at 6’0″, 225 pounds.”
Potential NFL Landing Spots for Johnson
According to PFN’s updated NFL team needs, the following organizations should prioritize running back in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Cleveland Browns
- Dallas Cowboys
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Minnesota Vikings
Johnson’s Scouting Report
Pro Football Network ranked their top 100 prospects to watch for the college football season. Johnson landed at spot #80.
“Quietly, the Iowa Hawkeyes have a future NFL running back in Kaleb Johnson. At 6’0″, 225 pounds, Johnson is built like a power back, but he has the quickness, flexibility, and powerful long-striding frame to make the most of the space he’s afforded.”
Johnson’s 2024 Season Stats and Game Breakdowns
- Rushing Yards: 1,035
- Catches: 132
- Touchdowns: 13
- Yards Per Rush: 7.8
Put simply, Johnson is the Hawkeyes offense. Quarterback Cade McNamara might have had some small successes this season, but the leap from the 132nd-ranked scoring offense a year ago to the 73rd-ranked unit this season is firmly on the shoulders of one of the best offensive players in the nation.
Johnson has been sensational, verging on unstoppable this year. If Ashton Jeanty weren’t performing at a historic rate, the Hawkeyes’ running back would be a shoo-in for the Doak Walker Award and commanding more national attention. Through seven games, he’s tallied 1,035 rushing yards at 7.8 yards per clip, with 14 total touchdowns and a smattering of receiving stats.
When Is Kaleb Johnson Playing Today?
Johnson and the Hawkeyes will face off against Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 3:30 p.m ET.
If you’re looking for offensive fireworks on Saturday afternoon, the Iowa Hawkeyes hosting the Northwestern Wildcats might not be the game for you. Who wins when the two teams face off in a traditional Big Ten tussle?
Iowa hasn’t won this year when Johnson hasn’t tallied more than 100 yards. Northwestern allows the fifth-fewest yards per carry in the Big Ten (3.23) this year and has given up just six rushing touchdowns in the 2024 campaign. They’ve allowed just 103.4 rushing yards per game, which could give them a chance to thwart the Hawkeyes offense and keep the game close.