The Pittsburgh Steelers have now selected their running back of the future to pair with Jaylen Warren, as they selected Kaleb Johnson out of Iowa with the 83rd overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson complements Warren well and serves as a high quality replacement for the recently departed Najee Harris.
Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson during a game with Iowa in 2024.
Adding Johnson to a Steelers offense that lacked a clear identity throughout the 2024 season should definitely establish what the team wants to do. Johnson has the capability to carry the load when asked, as well as create explosive plays, which should be music to Steeler Nation's ears after watching a significantly low amount of big runs the last few seasons.
Shortly after the selection of Johnson by the Steelers, Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith met with the media during a brief press conference to discuss the selection. Smith noted the great instincts by Johnson, and how important that is to a transition to the NFL and into a new offense.
"That is part of the process when you do your homework," said Smith on Johnson's instincts. "Where are we starting at when this guy gets here in a couple weeks in rookie camps? It certainly helps. It is a great trait to have. Football intelligence, instinctive, awareness, that is what you're trying to build. You'd love to have 11 guys with high football intelligence."
There have been several connections between Johnson and the Steelers throughout the pre-draft process, especially after they brought him in for an official visit. One of Johnson's comparisons from some in the pre-draft process was the previously mentioned Harris, as both have a large frame that can break through several tackles and push piles forward. Many won't enjoy that comparison due to feeling underwhelmed by Harris' time in Pittsburgh, but that running style fits the Steelers' offense well.
The instincts that Smith mentioned are what should set him apart from Harris, as while in Pittsburgh, Harris struggled to quickly identify running lanes and hit them with the correct tempo or pace. Johnson has shown a tremendous feel for that in college, which should correlate to the NFL well.
Abbie Parr / Associated Press
Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson running in open field during a collegiate game.
Being the focal point of his college offense, Johnson faced defensive fronts that were comparable to the ones he saw in the NFL. The instincts he showed to navigate running lanes and set up defenders on the second level with those loaded boxes should translate well when joining the Steelers.
Whether his instincts directly translate or not, Johnson likely won't need to carry the entire offense early on. The Steelers have a lot of faith in Warren and every time he is given the ball, he has produced. Johnson allows them to not run Warren into the ground and keep him fresh throughout the season.
Johnson also has been dinged for his work in pass protection, something the Steelers value heavily, so it is likely he won't see much third down work early on. Warren excels in this area, so they complement each other well in that regard as well.
Steelers Still Have An Uncertain Future At Quarterback After Day 2 Of Draft
While there were minimal surprises with the Steelers' first two picks in this year's draft, it still left a hole at the quarterback position that many believe still needs filled. There has been some news that Aaron Rodgers appears to be on his way, but anything relating to him should be taken with a grain of salt, especially if trying to figure out when a move may take place.
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Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers puts both his arms in the air to celebrate a big time touchdown at home during the 2024 NFL season.
Shedeur Sanders was expected to be an option for the Steelers in the first round, but after passing on him for a second time in the third round of the draft, it is clear that was never really an option. Day 2 of the draft has come to an end and Sanders is still on the board, so there is always a chance the Steelers select Sanders still (or a different quarterback in Round 4 or later). It would be surprising if the Steelers didn't select any quarterback in the draft this year given the number of quarterbacks on the roster.
Do you think the Steelers found a gem in Kaleb Johnson? Let us know in the comments below!
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