The Denver Broncos need help at running back after losing Javonte Williams, their leading rusher, to the Dallas Cowboys. With the departure of Williams, Denver doesn’t have a clear-cut number one under contract. Jaleel McLaughlin, who finished second in rushing last year with 496 yards, is currently their projected starter. Because of this, they could select a running back in the upcoming draft.
On Instagram, former Iowa Hawkeyes’ star running back Kaleb Johnson announced that he visited with the Broncos for a Top-30 visit on Wednesday. Johnson is considered one of the top backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. Many scouts project him as a second or third-round pick.
He had a great career with Iowa
Kaleb Johnson committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes as a three-star recruit for the 2022 season. Johnson had a great career with Iowa, rushing for 2,779 yards on 508 carries and 30 touchdowns. He finished ninth all-time in attempts, fifth in rushing yards, and fourth in rushing touchdowns in Hawkeyes history.
Johnson had a breakout junior season, boasting career highs in rushing yards, attempts, and rushing touchdowns. He ran for 1,537 yards on 240 carries and 21 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in yards and touchdowns. His accolades include being named First-Team All-Big Ten and Second-Team All-American.
Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on Kaleb Johnson
“Johnson is built like a bruiser, but his style is more finesse, preferring to win with tempo and decisiveness. He keeps his runs on time and on track while allowing blockers to do their job.
“He’s not overly aggressive, but he has the size and strength to break tackles and grab extra yards at the finish. He runs with below-average creativity and cut quickness but has consistent linear play speed to pop chunk runs.
“He can catch, but his three-down value takes a hit because of his struggles in pass pro. Johnson’s traits and running style make him a projectable fit in a two-back system with the upside to take on a bigger chunk down the road.”
Zierlein predicts that Johnson will eventually become an average starter.
