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Kaleb Johnson was asked for his preference, and his answer speaks to what the NFL likes about his game.
In a clutch situation on game day, would the former Iowa star running back get more joy out of using his physicality to beat the opposing defense or his legs to leave would-be tacklers in his wake.
"Depends if I have a lane or not," the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Johnson said with a smile. "If they're in my way, I'm running them over. But if I got a chance to break away, and I can use my speed, I'm gonna do that."
With a combination of vision, patience and toughness, Johnson is the headliner in the list of our five favorite running back prospects that fit with the New York Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft. Team brass has done a lot of homework in what the league believes is a deep class at the position, so it would not be a surprise if Big Blue adds one in the draft this year.
Johnson spent Wednesday inside the Giants' facility on a "30" visit, and he was catching up with a familiar face: Ladell Betts, who joined Brian Daboll's coaching staff this offseason as running backs coach after serving in that capacity at - you guessed it - Iowa, where he was Johnson's position coach.
Johnson rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the Big 10 in both categories. He also showed great ball security with zero fumbles in 240 carries. He had 21 carries of 20 or more yards last season, the second most in the nation.
Admittedly, he thought it was a bit weird when, upon meeting with the Giants at the Combine, he walked into their Lucas Oil Stadium suite and came face-to-face with Betts.
"I got a very, very good vibe from them," Johnson said.
Who's new: None
Who left: None
What they still need: The Giants saw a lot to like from Tracy last season. There's room for another back to complement Tracy, or for Tracy to complement.
How they stack up: Tyrone Tracy, Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, Turbo Miller
Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State: At 6-foot-1 and 226 pounds, Gordon is a physical back who led the nation two seasons ago with 1,732 yards with 21 touchdowns and an additional 330 yards and one touchdown receiving. He'll be visiting the Giants, and they'll likely dig in on his arrest on suspicion of DUI last summer. He has the size and build to set the tone - think Derrick Henry, which is obvious high praise. That's not a comparison of players, just styles, and that is something the Giants could add to their backfield.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State: Judkins was in a committee for the national champion Buckeyes, The 6-foot, 221-pounder as a similar running style to Joe Mixon and Kareem Hunt. He has good size and possesses elite explosiveness within a skill set that would mesh really well with what the Giants want from their backs. It'll be interesting to see where he lands on Day 2 and if team brass likes him enough to pounce.
Damien Martinez, Miami: Tremendous production both at Oregon State and then with the Hurricanes after transferring prior to the season. He led Miami with 1,002 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, finishing his college career with 3,169 yards rushing and 26 scores, 14 100-yard games, and 32 receptions for 391 yards. Martinez is listed at 6-foot and 217 pounds, he plays even bigger and would be an intriguing complement to Tyrone Tracy.
Kyle Monangai, Rutgers: The former Don Bosco star rushed for more than 1,200 yards each of the past two seasons for the Scarlet Knights. Serious Ahmad Bradshaw vibes for Giants fans. His 4.60 40-yard dash at the Combine might get used by detractors to show he's not a blazer, but that's not Monangai's game. He's not slow by any stretch, so for a team that might be looking to steal the 5-foot-9, 220-pound back on Day 3, it was a welcomed sight.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 2025 NFL Draft: Meet our favorite running back fits for NY Giants
Continue reading...
In a clutch situation on game day, would the former Iowa star running back get more joy out of using his physicality to beat the opposing defense or his legs to leave would-be tacklers in his wake.
"Depends if I have a lane or not," the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Johnson said with a smile. "If they're in my way, I'm running them over. But if I got a chance to break away, and I can use my speed, I'm gonna do that."
With a combination of vision, patience and toughness, Johnson is the headliner in the list of our five favorite running back prospects that fit with the New York Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft. Team brass has done a lot of homework in what the league believes is a deep class at the position, so it would not be a surprise if Big Blue adds one in the draft this year.
Johnson spent Wednesday inside the Giants' facility on a "30" visit, and he was catching up with a familiar face: Ladell Betts, who joined Brian Daboll's coaching staff this offseason as running backs coach after serving in that capacity at - you guessed it - Iowa, where he was Johnson's position coach.
Johnson rushed for more than 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns, leading the Big 10 in both categories. He also showed great ball security with zero fumbles in 240 carries. He had 21 carries of 20 or more yards last season, the second most in the nation.
Admittedly, he thought it was a bit weird when, upon meeting with the Giants at the Combine, he walked into their Lucas Oil Stadium suite and came face-to-face with Betts.
"I got a very, very good vibe from them," Johnson said.
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NY Giants depth chart: Running back
Who's new: None
Who left: None
What they still need: The Giants saw a lot to like from Tracy last season. There's room for another back to complement Tracy, or for Tracy to complement.
How they stack up: Tyrone Tracy, Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, Turbo Miller
Here are four more of our favorite RB draft prospects
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Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State: At 6-foot-1 and 226 pounds, Gordon is a physical back who led the nation two seasons ago with 1,732 yards with 21 touchdowns and an additional 330 yards and one touchdown receiving. He'll be visiting the Giants, and they'll likely dig in on his arrest on suspicion of DUI last summer. He has the size and build to set the tone - think Derrick Henry, which is obvious high praise. That's not a comparison of players, just styles, and that is something the Giants could add to their backfield.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State: Judkins was in a committee for the national champion Buckeyes, The 6-foot, 221-pounder as a similar running style to Joe Mixon and Kareem Hunt. He has good size and possesses elite explosiveness within a skill set that would mesh really well with what the Giants want from their backs. It'll be interesting to see where he lands on Day 2 and if team brass likes him enough to pounce.
Damien Martinez, Miami: Tremendous production both at Oregon State and then with the Hurricanes after transferring prior to the season. He led Miami with 1,002 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, finishing his college career with 3,169 yards rushing and 26 scores, 14 100-yard games, and 32 receptions for 391 yards. Martinez is listed at 6-foot and 217 pounds, he plays even bigger and would be an intriguing complement to Tyrone Tracy.
Kyle Monangai, Rutgers: The former Don Bosco star rushed for more than 1,200 yards each of the past two seasons for the Scarlet Knights. Serious Ahmad Bradshaw vibes for Giants fans. His 4.60 40-yard dash at the Combine might get used by detractors to show he's not a blazer, but that's not Monangai's game. He's not slow by any stretch, so for a team that might be looking to steal the 5-foot-9, 220-pound back on Day 3, it was a welcomed sight.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: 2025 NFL Draft: Meet our favorite running back fits for NY Giants
Continue reading...
