The 2025 NFL Draft is here! After the 2024-2025 college football season and the NFL Draft Combine, the day has finally arrived. The 2025 NFL Draft takes place tonight from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
During the NFL Draft, 257 college athletes will hear their names called and move on to the professional level. Among those names waiting to be called is Iowa star running back Kaleb Johnson.
"KJ2" is one of the best running backs in Iowa history. He broke the single-season touchdown record last season, rushing for 21 touchdowns on 241 carries. He also compiled 1,537 rushing yards en route to earning the Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year award.
Johnson's 1,537 rushing yards were No. 6 overall in the nation, and No. 3 all-time in Iowa history. KJ had solid performances at the NFL Draft Combine and his Pro Day and aims to move up draft boards on Thursday night.
Highlighting Hawks: Kaleb “K2” Johnson
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) April 23, 2025
Tonight at 6:30 pm CT#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/Y285gWc4jR
This video should give you chills. KJ proved why he should be much higher on teams' draft boards.
Johnson is projected to fall in the second or third round in NFL mock drafts. ESPN draft analystsMel Keiper and Kirby Yates have him going in the late second round to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Commanders, respectively.
The Athletic has him going to the Chicago Bears early in the second round or the New York Giants in the third round.
CBS Sports' Josh Edwards also has him going in the second round to the Green Bay Packers.
The 2025 NFL running back class is deep, but Johnson should be higher on draft boards. Not only can Johnson run between the tackles, but he can also explode for big runs on the perimeter. He is a grown man (six-foot-one, 224 pounds) who does not shy away from contact.
Johnson is also a very high-character guy with a small ego. Most top-talent guys have problems keeping their egos in check, but not Johnson. He was always seen on the sidelines or in media interviews thanking his offensive line.
Iowa offensive lineman Gennings Dunker noted that KJ was always super appreciative of them and was just a great dude on and off the field.
The 2025 NFL Draft coverage begins Thursday, April 24, at 6:00 p.m. Central Time, and will air on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ABC, and the NFL Network.