The Arizona Cardinals hired a new head coach who just so happens to be offensive-minded. Mike LaFleur came from the Los Angeles Rams, who use the West Coast offense and have been the poster child of potent offenses.
And now, LaFleur is bringing the success of the Rams and similar systems, such as the San Francisco 49ers, to the desert.
RELATED: NEED TO KNOW RB TYLER ALLGEIER
But there are parameters that must be installed. The offensive line must be proficient. GM Monti Ossenfort addressed that in free
agency, bringing in two guards and two tackles. For another, the running back room has to have capable backs that are good blockers, can find open gaps, and be productive.
Does the Cardinals’ running back room need a young buck? James Conner is the starter, but he ended up on IR last year. He has been involved in extensive rehab, but what type of runner will he be when he returns? What about Trey Benson? Another IR inhabitant who is working to return. What will be his skills once he suits back up?
Free agent Tyler Allgeier was an excellent pickup for Ossenfort and will get plenty of carries. Maybe Arizona needs a guy to come in who has been productive in college and fill up the room. Johnson had 1,450 yards last season with 12 TDs. That’s production. Plus, he was named the “ Big 10 Running Back of the Year.”
RB Emmett Johnson
Draft projection: Round 5
Cardinals pick: #141
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Specifics:
Career Attempts: 458
Career Rushing Yards: 2,460
Career Touchdowns: 20
Accolades: First Team All-American, voted Big 10 Running Back of the Year, First Team All-Big 10, named “Minnesota Mr. Football” in his final year of high school
Positives:
- Great hands
- Exceptional vision
- Reads his keys cleanly
- Will gain good yardage after contact
- Explosive burst
- Very durable, will take on a heavy workload
- Legitimate receiver
Negatives:
- Blocking skills need work
- Timed speed is adequate
- Not a short yardage or goal line back
- Power at the point of attack is average
- Blitz pickup is below average
Expert Draft Site Analysis
Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson had some concerning testing at the NFL Combine that supports pre-existing concerns about his athletic profile. However, he’s still one of the highest-graded running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft and has a path to a top 100 selection. Fluidity in hips and ankles, quick jump cut to suddenly exchange gaps, presses close to his blockers before cutting into the hole. Explosive short-area footwork. Subtle but sharp jump cut to make would-be tacklers miss one-on-one opportunities. Slams on the brakes to let defenders fly past him, sharp deceleration to create in a phone booth, cuts back and makes defenders whiff in space.
