Packers signed an offensive undrafted free agent that the rest of the NFL made a mistake not picking in the 2025 NFL Draft

As a senior, Johnson was extremely productive. He had 1,222 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. The weapon also added 30 receptions, 233 receiving yards, and a touchdown catch to his résumé.

NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein mentioned characteristics that are extremely important for depth running backs.

"He has fluid hips and a low center of gravity for tighter turns but his vision is average. Same goes for his timing to accelerate and race past the defensive front. While he hasn’t been much of a pass-catcher, he can protect the quarterback and has returned kicks during his career." — Lance Zierlein.

Just like the Packers love, Johnson has an exceptional athletic profile. Even though he's undersized (5-9, 205 pounds), he showed elite speed (4.39 40-yard time), good explosion and agility according to his Relative Athletic Score. The Packers went to his Pro Day at South Dakota State, and the interest was evident.

"Me and my agent (Blake Baratz) just felt the love was genuine from them, and it stayed like that the entire time," Johnson told Sports Illustrated. "So, the whole draft, I was like, 'Please don't draft a running back,' because they were telling me they wanted me before the draft. So, that was big, and I was just so happy to make it official finally and just hoped nobody else drafted me."

With such a crowded running back room, it will be hard for Johnson to crave a 53-man roster spot. But the practice squad seems a realistic target. And with Wilson and Brooks set to become restricted free agents next offseason, a developmental path can generate big opportunities for the rookie.