Remember Kenneth Walker? Yeah, *our* guy. Well, he’s Kansas City’s prize free-agent signing now, heading up their running back unit into Week 1, but get this: the young bucks behind him are already turning heads. Rookie Emmett Johnson and second-year back Brashard Smith had such impressive preseasons that they totally instilled enough confidence in the Chiefs to actually part ways with veteran back Emari Demercado on cutdown day. Talk about a statement!
Emmett Johnson’s Rookie Flash Is Just Different
The Chiefs snagged Johnson in the fifth round of the 2026 Draft, and honestly, they’ve wasted zero time getting him integrated. This Nebraska product battled his way from the bottom of the depth chart to become the second running back on the roster, sitting right behind Walker himself. You saw it in the preseason: Johnson’s natural blend of patience and explosion is just next level. Dude finds running lanes where there shouldn’t be any. He’s got this insane balance to stay on his feet and grind through initial contact, always picking up those crucial extra yards.
This isn’t just luck either. Johnson’s got slick hesitation moves, solid contact balance, and vision that lets him break off decent runs and create plays even when the initial lane ain’t there. We saw a zone run go left where there was no hole to hit, but as Johnson got to the line, he *read* a small crease, pulled a quick jump cut, hit it, and shook off a tackle to get to the second level. It wasn’t a fifty-yard touchdown, but it showed he doesn’t need perfectly blocked looks to get yards. His quick slashing style and those buttery-smooth jump cuts? They’re a perfect fit for the Chiefs’ zone run game. He recognizes when defenses over-pursue and how to hit those cutback lanes, which is a natural trait you can’t teach. That’s just *talent* right there.
This Backfield Depth Is Real
While Emmett Johnson definitely hogged the spotlight with his impressive tape, second-year back Brashard Smith also had himself a heck of a preseason. The source tells us he was impressive, period, and that’s all you need to know about what these two did together. The confidence in these young guys was so strong that the Chiefs rolled into Week 1 with just three backs, letting go of a vet to make room. It means they’re not just hoping these guys pan out; they *know* they’ve got some serious talent bubbling up.
So, as the Chiefs head into Week 1 of the regular season, they’ve got Kenneth Walker leading the charge, backed up by two young, hungry dudes who already showed they can handle the load. This kind of depth in the backfield can absolutely be a game-changer over the long haul. Keep an eye on these guys; they might just be a major problem for the rest of the league.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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