Combine metrics misleading; elite processing and footwork trump poor three-cone time.
Matt Waldman argues Johnson's combine measurables—particularly his 7.32–7.37 three-cone time and 32nd-percentile relative athletic score—do not reflect his true ability. Waldman emphasizes that Johnson's curvilinear movement (similar to Dalvin Cook's) is his primary change-of-direction mechanism, which the three-cone drill doesn't measure well. Johnson's strong pre-snap and early post-snap processing, precise footwork, and box-reading ability are more predictive of NFL success than combine metrics. Waldman contends the media focuses on percentile rankings rather than minimum thresholds needed for NFL contribution, and believes Johnson has sufficient minimums to perform well and will surprise those who dismissed him based on combine performance.
View Emmett Johnson 2026 fantasy football value pagePlayer profile with fantasy value, ADP, projections, news, and source-backed STACKED insightsMatt, is this a case where the measurable are not a true reflection of Emmitt Johnson's ability? Yeah, I'd say feel it. It's not at all a true reflection... Emmit Johnson is that their processing ability pre-snap and early post-snap is so strong that they're kind of a step ahead in of the game... I think that Emmet Johnson has more than enough of the minimum to do the job. And he's he's a good all-around player, and I think he's going to surprise people who wrote him off too soon.
Emmett Johnson fantasy football FAQ
- What did Matt Waldman say about Emmett Johnson?
- Matt Waldman argues Johnson's combine measurables—particularly his 7.32–7.37 three-cone time and 32nd-percentile relative athletic score—do not reflect his true ability. Waldman emphasizes that Johnson's curvilinear movement (similar to Dalvin Cook's) is his primary change-of-direction mechanism, which the three-cone drill doesn't measure well. Johnson's strong pre-snap and early post-snap processing, precise footwork, and box-reading ability are more predictive of NFL success than combine metrics. Waldman contends the media focuses on percentile rankings rather than minimum thresholds needed for NFL contribution, and believes Johnson has sufficient minimums to perform well and will surprise those who dismissed him based on combine performance.
- Is this good or bad for Emmett Johnson's fantasy football value?
- STACKED tags this as a positive fantasy football signal for Emmett Johnson (KC). Combine metrics misleading; elite processing and footwork trump poor three-cone time.
- Where can I see Emmett Johnson's full 2026 fantasy outlook, projections, and ADP?
- Emmett Johnson's complete 2026 fantasy football outlook — projections, ADP movement across every platform, injury context, and all source-backed STACKED insights — is on their STACKED player profile.