The Pittsburgh Steelers used their 21st overall pick to draft Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. When the Steelers went on the clock for their third round pick, 83rd overall, the Steelers took this chance to select Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson.
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Former Iowa running back scores a touchdown against the Washington Huskies.
Johnson is a physical, downhill runner who thrived in Iowa’s pro-style system and brings a rugged edge to Pittsburgh’s backfield. At 6-foot, 215 pounds, he fits perfectly into Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith’s ground-and-pound philosophy. With Jaylen Warren stepping into the lead back role following Najee Harris’ departure, Johnson adds much-needed depth and power to the running back room.
Though Warren will handle the bulk of the carries, Johnson could earn early snaps as a short-yardage and goal-line option. His pass protection and special teams ability also give him a clear path to the field. The Steelers view him as a long-term complement to Warren and a potential future starter if he continues to develop.
Steelers select Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 26, 2025
Johnson staying in black and yellow heading to Pitt 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VbeQUWQcHA
Many analysts viewed the selection as a strong value pick. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. had Johnson projected to go earlier in the third round and noted he could’ve even slipped into the late second depending on how the board fell. For Pittsburgh to land him at 83rd overall was considered one of the better steals of Day 2.
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Former Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders celebrates with his left hand.
Still, a portion of the fan base was stunned that the Steelers passed on quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who unexpectedly slid out of the first two rounds. While Sanders’ slide became one of the biggest stories of the draft, Pittsburgh clearly prioritized building around a power run game and bolstering their defense, rather than reaching for a quarterback.
The Steelers made a significant decision ahead of the 2024 season by choosing not to pick up Harris’ fifth-year option, effectively allowing the former first-round pick to walk. Selected 24th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Harris was a durable and consistent contributor, suiting up for every game across his first four seasons in Pittsburgh. During that span, he surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark each year.
Steelers Basically Swap Najee Harris With Kaleb Johnson
Despite his reliability and steady production, Harris was often labeled as merely an above-average talent at the position, rather than a game-changing force. The Steelers ultimately decided that committing $6.79 million—or even a slightly reduced figure—was too steep for a player they seemingly didn’t view as part of their long-term offensive vision. Instead, Pittsburgh has opted to turn the page at running back.
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Steelers' Jaylen Warren looks on during a regular season home game in Pittsburgh.
Moving forward, the team’s backfield will feature Warren, who has carved out a meaningful role over the past two seasons with his explosive playstyle and versatility. Joining him are offseason acquisition Kenneth Gainwell, known for his pass-catching ability and shiftiness, and Johnson, whose physicality and upside will generate buzz as Steeler Nation gets to know their new rookie. Together, this new-look running back room represents a fresh start and a philosophical shift for the Steelers’ offense in 2025.
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