Iowa Star Running Back Lands with Super Bowl Contender in Latest ESPN NFL Mock Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, mock drafts from all corners of the football world are starting to paint a clearer picture of where college football’s most talented players may land. One of the more intriguing projections from ESPN’s most recent mock draft sends Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson—a name familiar to Big Ten fans and NFL scouts alike—to a team with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. The fit is compelling, the destination exciting, and the implications for both parties are enormous.

ESPN’s latest mock draft slots Johnson in the second round, landing with the Baltimore Ravens, a perennial AFC powerhouse with a dynamic offense led by former league MVP Lamar Jackson. For Baltimore, which has struggled to maintain a consistent presence at running back due to injuries and shifting personnel, Johnson’s combination of power, vision, and underrated burst could fill a massive need. For Johnson, it’s the kind of opportunity that could immediately place him on a national stage, competing for meaningful snaps—and potentially a Super Bowl ring—as a rookie.

Johnson’s rise as a draft prospect has been steady and well-earned. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 215 pounds, he has the frame of a traditional NFL back but with modern flexibility. He’s a north-south runner with excellent balance, capable of finishing runs through contact while also showing the patience and footwork needed to navigate tight spaces. What separates him, though, is how consistently he wears down defenses over the course of a game.

At Iowa, Johnson became a workhorse back in an offense that didn’t always give him the most ideal conditions to thrive. Even behind a sometimes shaky offensive line and with a passing game that struggled to stretch the field, Johnson racked up over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final season. His tape is filled with moments where he made something out of nothing—cutbacks, second efforts, and relentless drive after first contact.

Scouts have taken note not just of the numbers, but of the way Johnson runs. He’s a tone-setter, the kind of back that thrives in cold-weather, late-season games when defenses are tired and games get physical. That kind of mentality is tailor-made for the AFC North, and especially the Ravens, who have historically leaned on physical runners to complement their offensive identity.

Johnson also proved himself as a capable receiver out of the backfield during his final college campaign. Iowa’s system didn’t emphasize running backs in the passing game much, but when Johnson was given the opportunity, he showed natural hands and a good feel for screens and checkdowns. That development was critical in showing NFL teams he can be a true three-down back.

From a character and leadership standpoint, Johnson also checks the boxes. Coaches at Iowa praised his work ethic, resilience, and ability to lead by example. He’s quiet off the field but commands attention with his play and preparation. Teams value that kind of maturity, especially from a player who will be expected to contribute early.

As far as the Ravens go, the fit makes a ton of sense. The team’s backfield has been a revolving door due to injuries to players like J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. While Baltimore did bring in some veteran depth, they’ve lacked a long-term answer at the position. Drafting Johnson would not only give them a cost-controlled, high-upside player, but also help preserve Lamar Jackson’s legs by taking some pressure off him in the running game.

Baltimore’s offense has gradually evolved into a more balanced attack under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and adding a running back who can handle 15–20 carries and contribute in the passing game would be invaluable. Johnson’s ability to pass protect—something he did well at Iowa—also gives him a chance to see the field early, especially on third downs.

ESPN’s projection of Johnson to Baltimore has sparked excitement among both Ravens fans and Iowa faithful. For Hawkeye supporters, it’s validation of a player who often flew under the radar due to Iowa’s conservative offensive approach. For Baltimore fans, it’s the kind of savvy pick that fits the team’s tradition of finding tough, intelligent players who thrive in their system.

Beyond just the X’s and O’s, Johnson to the Ravens has narrative appeal. Iowa has long prided itself on producing hard-nosed, NFL-ready talent. From offensive linemen to tight ends to defensive backs, the Hawkeyes consistently send blue-collar players to the league. Johnson would join that tradition, and in Baltimore—a city and franchise known for its toughness—it would be a perfect marriage.

There are, of course, always variables in the draft. Running backs, in particular, face a saturated market, and even talented players like Johnson can slide due to team needs and positional value trends. But ESPN’s mock is far from a fluke. Multiple draft analysts have noted Johnson’s momentum and the likelihood that a team with a power-run scheme will jump at the chance to draft him.

He’s not just a “safe” pick either. Johnson possesses the kind of ceiling that makes teams take notice. If paired with the right offensive line and given consistent touches, he has the tools to become a 1,000-yard back early in his career. His running style is reminiscent of players like Chris Carson or Damien Harris—backs who may not dazzle with breakaway speed but wear teams down and rack up yardage in chunks.

In the pre-draft process, Johnson has reportedly impressed during interviews and position drills. While he didn’t post eye-popping 40-yard dash times, his explosiveness in short-area drills and positional work helped confirm what teams saw on film. He’s a football player in the truest sense—built for the grind and ready to contribute.

If he does end up in Baltimore, Johnson will be joining a team that’s knocking on the door of a championship. With Jackson at quarterback, a retooled offensive line, and a defense that remains one of the league’s best, the Ravens are in win-now mode. Adding a reliable running back like Johnson could be the final piece to sustain drives, control tempo, and give the team another layer of offensive punch.

For Johnson, it’s the kind of scenario every draft prospect dreams about—going from a college program known for physicality and fundamentals to an NFL franchise that values exactly the same traits. And for the Ravens, it’s another chance to find value and toughness in the draft—something they’ve done as well as any team over the last two decades.

The 2025 NFL Draft is still weeks away, and things will continue to evolve. But if ESPN’s projection holds true, Kaleb Johnson to Baltimore may end up being one of the smartest, most impactful picks of the weekend. It’s a move that could shape the rookie’s career and help the Ravens make another deep playoff run—possibly all the way to the Super Bowl.