In an ESPN mock, the fan-favorite NFL team thought Iowa football running back Kaleb Johnson would be a perfect fit.

Kaleb Johnson, the standout running back from Iowa, has been generating significant buzz ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. His blend of size, speed, and power makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their roster. In an ESPN mock draft, one fan-favorite NFL team made a move to secure his services, citing his potential to become a key component in their offensive scheme. This team, a franchise with a passionate fan base and a rich history, was seen as a perfect match for Johnson’s skill set. In this piece, we will delve into why Kaleb Johnson is seen as a potential fit for this team, analyze his college career, and explore how his attributes could elevate the NFL team in question.

Kaleb Johnson’s College Career at Iowa

Before we dive into the fit, it’s important to understand Kaleb Johnson’s college career at Iowa. Johnson, a powerful and athletic running back, showcased his abilities as a workhorse back for the Iowa Hawkeyes. In his time at Iowa, Johnson quickly became one of the most dominant running backs in the Big Ten. His combination of physicality, vision, and explosiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

During his career, Johnson demonstrated an ability to be both a between-the-tackles runner and a home-run threat on the outside. In his final season with Iowa, he racked up over 1,300 yards rushing and scored multiple touchdowns. His ability to break tackles and push the pile with authority made him one of the more difficult running backs to bring down. Johnson’s vision, especially in finding lanes and making defenders miss in the open field, set him apart from other backs in his class.

However, what truly elevated Johnson’s profile was his ability to impact the game in all facets. In addition to his rushing abilities, Johnson also became a reliable option in the passing game, showing soft hands and solid route-running skills. His versatility as both a runner and receiver gives him the potential to be a true dual-threat in the NFL, which is why he has drawn attention from several teams.

The Fan-Favorite NFL Team

Now, let’s shift gears and focus on the NFL team that has made a move for Kaleb Johnson in an ESPN mock draft. This team, a fan-favorite with a storied history, has been in the hunt for a franchise-changing player to anchor their offense for years. With a fan base that is both passionate and vocal, this team’s supporters have long called for a game-breaking running back who can take their offense to the next level.

For years, this team’s running game has been inconsistent, with various backs cycling through the system, but none managing to seize the reins of the offense. Despite a strong offensive line and solid quarterback play, the team’s rushing attack has lacked that final spark. Enter Kaleb Johnson, who could be the missing piece in their offensive puzzle. His ability to move the ball consistently, keep defenses on their heels, and provide balance to the offense is exactly what this team needs.

Kaleb Johnson’s Fit in the NFL Team’s Offense

When we analyze this team’s offensive system, it becomes clear why Kaleb Johnson could be a perfect fit. Known for a balanced offensive attack, the team has frequently relied on a strong running game to complement their passing attack. However, they’ve struggled to find a consistent back who can wear down defenses while also providing that explosive playmaking ability that is crucial in today’s NFL.

Kaleb Johnson’s physical style of running, combined with his impressive breakaway speed, would allow the team to establish an effective ground game. He could be the workhorse that the team has been searching for, capable of handling 20-25 carries per game, breaking off long runs, and wearing down opposing defenses as the game progresses. Additionally, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield would make him a perfect fit in the team’s short-to-intermediate passing game, giving their quarterback an easy checkdown option when under pressure.

This NFL team’s offensive line is one of the better units in the league, which would provide Johnson with the space and opportunity to show his true potential. With a line that excels at both run blocking and pass protection, Johnson would have the necessary resources to succeed from day one. Furthermore, the team has shown a commitment to being physical at the line of scrimmage, which aligns with Johnson’s strengths. His punishing style of running, coupled with his ability to make defenders miss in the open field, makes him an ideal fit for a team that thrives on controlling the tempo and setting the tone in the trenches.

The Team’s Need for a Running Back

Despite having some solid contributors at running back over the years, this team has never had a true game-changing back in the mold of the NFL’s elite rushers. While the team’s running back room is competent, they have lacked that home-run hitter—someone who can take over a game when necessary. Kaleb Johnson, with his combination of power and speed, fits the bill perfectly.

The team’s front office has been actively searching for a running back who can handle a large workload and also contribute in the passing game. In today’s NFL, having a versatile back is crucial, and Johnson’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives him an edge over other running backs in the draft. Additionally, his durability and toughness make him a reliable option, as he has proven capable of carrying the ball for 25+ carries in multiple games without breaking down.

Given the team’s focus on building a balanced offensive attack and adding weapons around their quarterback, drafting Kaleb Johnson would be a wise investment in their future. Not only would Johnson bring immediate value to the team’s offense, but he also has the potential to be a centerpiece for years to come, helping to elevate the team’s play in the running game and in the red zone.

The NFL Team’s Scheme and Playcalling

When it comes to offensive playcalling, this team has historically leaned on a combination of power runs, zone runs, and play-action passes to keep the defense guessing. Kaleb Johnson’s skill set aligns perfectly with these elements of the team’s offense. His ability to hit the hole hard on zone runs and his physical running style would mesh well with the team’s blocking schemes.

Moreover, the team has often relied on play-action to open up passing lanes for their quarterback. With Johnson in the backfield, the play-action game would become even more effective. Defenses would be forced to respect Johnson’s ability to break off big runs, which would open up passing opportunities downfield. This dynamic would allow the team to capitalize on mismatches in coverage, giving their quarterback more time to read the defense and make accurate throws.

Kaleb Johnson’s pass-catching ability is also a huge asset in this system. The team has a quarterback who thrives in quick decision-making and getting the ball out of his hands quickly, and having a back like Johnson who can run clean routes and catch passes would add another layer of unpredictability to the offense. Whether it’s a checkdown or a designed screen pass, Johnson’s hands and ability to make defenders miss in the open field would give the team a reliable weapon in the short passing game.

The NFL Team’s Playoff Aspirations

As this fan-favorite NFL team enters the 2025 season, their aspirations are clear: they are looking to contend for a playoff spot and, eventually, a Super Bowl championship. With an already strong roster in place, the addition of Kaleb Johnson would push the team’s offense to another level. A top-tier running back can be the difference between a team making the playoffs and making a deep playoff run.

Johnson’s ability to perform in clutch situations would be invaluable. In the postseason, when every possession matters, a reliable running back who can gain consistent yards and grind down the clock is essential. Whether it’s controlling the clock in the second half of a close game or providing that explosive play to change the momentum, Johnson could be a game-changer in the postseason.

This team has the necessary pieces in place on offense and defense to make a legitimate run at the playoffs. By adding Kaleb Johnson, they would fill a major need at the running back position while improving their overall offensive efficiency. With Johnson in the backfield, the team would not only have a dynamic rusher but also a versatile weapon who can contribute in various aspects of the game.

In the ESPN mock draft, Kaleb Johnson’s selection by this fan-favorite NFL team makes perfect sense. His skill set is exactly what the team needs to take their offense to the next level. With his combination of size, speed, vision, and versatility, Johnson would provide the team with a dynamic playmaker who can handle the workload and contribute in multiple ways. Whether it’s grinding out tough yards between the tackles, breaking off big runs, or catching passes out of the backfield, Johnson has the tools to be a standout player at the next level.

For this NFL team, drafting Kaleb Johnson could be the key to unlocking their offensive potential and solidifying their playoff aspirations for the future. The fan base would undoubtedly be thrilled with the addition of a talented, versatile running back who can contribute immediately and for years to come. As Johnson transitions to the NFL, it will be exciting to see how he adapts to the next level and how he helps elevate his new team’s offense to championship-caliber status.