The Denver Broncos will come away from their 2025 NFL Draft endeavors with an upgrade at running back. Boise State product Ashton Jeanty and North Carolina standout Omarion Hampton are the two most common names linked to the team.
Barring an unforeseen miracle, Jeanty’s unlikely to slide to where the Broncos are selecting. For whatever it’s worth, I’m not too sure he’s a realistic trade up target either. Hampton would be a quality addition to the Broncos at 20, but some analysts around the league aren’t sure he will available either.
But there’s no reason to panic. This year’s draft is loaded at the position. Teams are going to find very productive players on Day 2 and Day 3. For my first running back report, I took a look at Ohio State sensation Quinshon Judkins. He is certainly in play for the Broncos on Day 2 and recently had a top 30 visit at Dove Valley.
With this prospect profile, I’ll keep it in the Big Ten but will head westward to discuss one of the conference’s best players. That would be Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson, who I expect to be a Top 50 selection in April.
The heart and soul of the Hawkeyes’ offense, Johnson’s rushing prowess was one of the only things to write home about for Iowa in 2024. On 240 carries, Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 22 receptions for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns as a receiver. That might have been good enough to win the Doak Walker Award, but obviously Jeanty had an otherworldly season on the gridiron and put that dream to an end.
After the NFL Combine and several standout Pro Day performances, I think Johnson may be starting to become one of the forgotten running backs in this class. However, I believe he is a prospect that might be higher on the Broncos’ board than some might think. Let’s take a deeper look at the All-American running back, his strengths and weaknesses, and why he would be a tremendous addition to the Broncos’ backfield.
Player Profile: Kaleb Johnson — Running Back — Iowa
Height: 6’1” | Weight: 224 pounds | Arm Length: 33” | Hand Size: 9-5/8”
40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds | 10-yard split: 1.62 seconds | Vertical: Pending Pro Day
Statistics at Iowa: 508 carries, 2,779 yards, 6.4 yard per carry average, 30 touchdowns, 29 receptions, 240 yards, 8.3 yards per reception, 2 receiving touchdowns.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
Superb size for an NFL running back
Proficient zone runner with tremendous patience and vision
Averaged over 6.4 yards per carry on inside zone attempts last season
Over 20 carries in ‘24 went for 20+ yards
One of the best backs in this year's class generating yards after contact
Highly productive with no issues earning a larger workload
Secure ball carrier who rarely fumbles the ball
Not utilized much as a receiver though does show promise and untapped potential
Negatives:
Elite breakaway speed isn’t there
Elusiveness and lateral agility are only average
Lacks experience in pass protection
Upright running style makes him susceptible to big hits
Would like to see him be a bit more physical given his size, but he finishes most runs strong
Hart’s Projection: Top 50 Selection | Early-to-Mid Round 2 Value
Kaleb Johnson:
Iowa doesn't disguise their intent so RBs face stacked boxes often
Johnson faced 7.1 box defenders on avg, #2 most in class
28% of runs vs light box, lowest in class
but when facing a light box?
9.8 YPC, #1 most in class
accounted for 40% of Iowa's offensive… pic.twitter.com/4fIo9t2zwl
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 14, 2025
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Johnson
The 2025 NFL Draft boasts a quality stable of running backs ready to make an immediate impact as rookies. There is no doubt the Broncos are going to be picking one. It’s just a matter of when they choose to do so and when they will prioritize it.
Like Judkins, I have Johnson as a Top 50 player who will likely come off the board in the early-to-mid second round. If the Broncos opted for Johnson, I could see them adding a complimentary back on Day 3 that has more experience and prowess as a receiver. That would give them the potential for a formidable 1-2 punch for years to come.
Far too often last season did we see plays that went for little to no yards. Johnson is a back who makes the most of every carry and generates a lot of yards after contact. His vision is superior to anyone currently on Denver’s roster. Moreover, his tempo and rhythm-based approach would be a welcome addition to the offense.
As far as my running back rankings go, Jeanty’s my clear-cut number one, now followed by Hampton, but Johnson is who I have ranked third in this class. That might be bold to some, but he is a player I’d absolutely love the Broncos to draft. In fact, I wouldn’t mind if they moved a bit up for him in the second-round to make it happen.
Adding a top-tier back and establishing a quality running attack is paramount for the continued growth of Bo Nix and the entire offense. That’s why picking one of the best backs available is mission critical. Johnson’s prowess as a zone runner would provide a much-needed boost in an area they struggled being consistent at in ‘24.