After making multiple selections to re-tool (and revamp) their much-maligned defense, the Kansas City Chiefs finally made a move to upgrade on the offensive side of the ball on Saturday. General manager Brett Veach and the Chiefs moved up in Round 5 to select Emmett Johnson, a 5’10”, 202-lb. running back from Nebraska.
The move could seal the deal on a completely overhauled backfield this offseason, as Kansas City has already moved on from Isiah Pacheco (signed with Detroit) and conceivably Kareem Hunt as well (free agent). The Chiefs kicked off free agency with the signing of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III from the Seattle Seahawks.
Later in free agency, Kansas City added veteran Emari Demercado, a pass-blocking third-down back from the Arizona Cardinals. Entering the draft, the only holdover with NFL experience is second-year man Brashard Smith, a converted wide receiver, and, like last year, he is buried on the depth chart.
The Chiefs’ trade up for Emmett Johnson completes a rebuilt backfield and clarifies new roles for Brashard Smith and the return game.
Walker, Demercado, and Johnson will make a nice trio in the backfield. The tea leaves seem to indicate that the trade up to acquire Johnson will bump Smith back to his original position in college. Smith’s traits make him a handy kick return man as well as a gadget player on offense.
The Chiefs gave Smith a fair chance in 2024 to make the complete conversion to running back, but the 23-year-old gained just 151 yards on 44 carries, good for 3.4 yards per carry. Kansas City also put Smith’s receiving ability to work, as he garnered 23 catches for 170 yards and one score.
The Johnson selection indicates the Chiefs are ready to use Smith in more of a Dexter-McCluster-type role, and this could potentially spell the end of Nikko Remigio’s tenure as a Chief.
Smith’s value as a return man was proven in 2025, and this turn of events could solidify his role as the team’s primary returner. With Smith on the bottom of the depth chart as a gadgety wide receiver, Remigio’s role on the team is uncertain.
The most important part of the draft pick is that it cements the depth chart in case Walker goes down. Demercado is not in any way a bell-cow type of back, and should Walker miss time with injury, Johnson gives the Chiefs a valuable weapon in the backfield.
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