IOWA CITY, IA – OCTOBER 12:Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson (2) as seen after scoring on a six-yard … [+]
I’ve talked about it countless times at this point, but the 2025 running back class is amazing. With players like Ashton Jeanty and TreVeyon Henderson coming out this year as well, Kaleb Johnson often finds himself slipping down 2025 dynasty rookie rankings. This isn’t a knock against Johnson at all, though, as he looks like a great running back to own in dynasty fantasy football.
Kaleb Johnson: Prospect Profile
Coming out of Iowa, Kaleb Johnson had a breakout junior season in 2024. Despite running for less than 800 yards as a freshman and junior, Johnson produced when given the opportunity. In Johnson’s first season, with over 155 carries, he ran for 1,537 yards (6.4 YPC) and 21 touchdowns.
Johnson measures in at 6’0” 225 lbs and displays tremendous physicality on tape. Not only does Johnson have great size, but he also uses it very well. Johnson is able to run over defenders with ease and he dominates as a north-to-south runner.
That being said, Johnson is great, but he doesn’t have elite speed like Henderson and it’s a notch below Omarion Hampton, as well. Despite catching 22 passes for 188 yards, Johnson doesn’t have very soft hands either. A lot of that production was from screen passes or short dump-offs, which typically don’t translate to the NFL.
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 26: Running back Kaleb Johnson #2 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates a … [+]
Projected NFL Draft Capital
In case you’re new here, running backs are very dependent on NFL draft capital. The Brainy Ballers did an extensive study, proving that NFL draft capital is, in fact, predictive of fantasy football success. For dynasty, it’s important for these backs to go on day two of the draft to secure a role right away.
Johnson shouldn’t need to worry as he’s one of the most highly touted backs in this year’s NFL Draft. NFL Mock Draft Database has Johnson with a consensus overall rank of 55th overall.
Johnson would be a lot higher in previous years, but for 2025 dynasty rookie rankings, he’s my RB4. The backs I have ranked ahead of him are Jeanty, Henderson and Hampton. An RB4 ranking for Johnson is more of a compliment to the backs ahead of him rather than a knock on his profile. In Superflex drafts, I have Johnson as my 9th overall pick. If you have a late-round pick in this year’s rookie draft, getting Johnson on your team is a fantastic idea.
Source link
