By Solomon 
Even though the New York Giants already found a solid running back in last year’s draft with Tyrone Tracy Jr., they’re not necessarily done building up that position. This year’s draft is stacked with talented running backs, and the Giants might look to scoop up another playmaker in the middle rounds—possibly someone with a familiar face on the coaching staff.
One name to watch is Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson. He’s a powerful, explosive runner, standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 225 pounds. He had a standout 2024 season that earned him All-American honors and has him projected to go on Day 2 of the draft.
Here’s where things get interesting: the Giants just brought on Ladell Betts as their new running backs coach. Betts spent nine years in the NFL and most recently coached at Iowa from 2021 to 2024—where he worked directly with Johnson.
Under Betts’s coaching, Johnson became one of Iowa’s top backs ever, breaking records for points scored (138), total touchdowns (23), and rushing touchdowns (21) in a single season. He also ran for 1,537 yards in 2024, the third-most in school history.
With that kind of success and a strong connection to Betts, Johnson could definitely be on the Giants’ radar. They’ve got eight picks this year, including two in the third round. Johnson could be a solid target for them on Day 2 or early Day 3 of the draft.