Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson is one of the Baltimore Ravens top 30 visits. As such, it's fair to assume that Eric DeCosta and company could be eyeing him with a mid-round pick. While running back isn't the Ravens' primary need (that would be wide receiver or interior line), finding a quality reserve behind Derrick Henry is highly logical, particularly after losing Keaton Mitchell in free agency.
Drafting Johnson could limit Justice Hill's role in the offense. Hill has been with the Ravens since 2019, and he has played a sizable role in the offense since 2022. He gave the Ravens some extra versatility with his pass-catching and blocking. Notably, Hill has recorded more receiving yards than rushing yards over the past two seasons.
Hill was highly valued by John Harbaugh over the past several seasons. Still, plenty of Ravens fans, including myself, wanted Mitchell to have a bigger role at Hill's expense last season. It's fair to wonder if Jesse Minter and Declan Doyle will value Hill to the same degree as Harbaugh, especially if the Ravens draft Johnson (or another running back).
Whether it's Johnson or another running back, it wouldn't be a shocker if Hill's role is reduced significantly in the new-look Ravens' offense.
The Baltimore Ravens drafting Emmett Johnson would cut into Justice Hill's role
Johnson can play a similar role to Hill, especially as a pass catcher. During his last two seasons at Nebraska, Johnson recorded 85 receptions and 656 receiving yards. Given that Johnson can provide a similar element to Hill as a pass catcher, it's fair to expect that he could take away from Hill's role if the Ravens draft him.
Johnson also rushed for 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns at Nebraska, so it's possible he can have more impact in the run game than Hill from the get-go.
Getting the rookie some quality reps could also pay dividends for the Ravens down the road. Considering that Hill has proven not to have a ton of upside, why wouldn't you try to unleash the 22-year-old and see what you have with him? The same can be said if the Ravens draft another running back, but it's especially true with Johnson, given his similar skill set.
A lot can change between now and the draft, but Johnson appears to firmly be on Baltimore's radar. If the Ravens do select Johnson, it will undoubtedly shake up their RB room, and his arrival would, within all likelihood, cut into Hill's role.
All in all, the possible addition of Johnson (or another running back in the draft) would change the dynamics of the Ravens' backfield.
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