Steelers Fans Freak Out Over Kaleb Johnson's 40 Time But The Panic Is Misplaced

The Pittsburgh Steelers have just completed the 2025 NFL Draft, and many fans are eager to share their opinions on how the team performed. While it’s nearly impossible to truly grade a draft class until a few seasons down the road, early evaluations are always fun. When asked to assess a draft, the most reasonable approach is to consider how well a team addressed its needs while finding value in each selection. By that measure, the Steelers did a solid job, which is why their 2025 draft is currently being viewed in a positive light.

One of the most talked-about picks came in the third round, where the Steelers selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. While he brings toughness and production to the table, some fans have voiced concern over his 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, which was clocked at 4.57 seconds. That number isn’t terrible, but it doesn’t scream elite speed either—especially at a position where breakaway speed can separate good backs from great ones.

Still, Steelers insider Chris Carter believes fans are overreacting. During an appearance on 93.7 The Fan on Friday morning, Carter made it clear that Johnson’s game isn’t defined by straight-line speed. He pointed out that Johnson’s vision, balance, and physical running style are what truly matter in Pittsburgh’s offensive system. For a team that plans to lean heavily on the run game in 2025, Carter insists that Johnson’s fit and football traits far outweigh the minor concerns over his 40 time.

"Absolutely, when you look at the ways that Johnson is able to get past guys, he beat so many angles when you saw safeties try to get to him," Carter said. "Football speed is not always track speed—they are very different things. You can be fast, but if you are football fast, that's a whole different level of acceleration. When he gets going, he gets going."

The concern from fans likely stems from watching Najee Harris over the past four seasons—a powerful, bruising runner who rarely had the top-end speed to break off home runs. 

However, Carter believes Johnson is a different type of back, even comparing him to former Steelers star Le’Veon Bell for his patience, vision, and ability to explode through the hole once it opens.

"I don't know what led to that 40 time, but I saw that man outrun plenty of people in college football and be able to show it," Carter said. "Here's the other thing I want to remind people of—Le'Veon Bell didn't have the best 40 time, but he was still an explosive player who could hit the home run when he needed to... Kaleb Johnson will be explosive, and he will be quick enough."

Harris was a productive and dependable back for four straight seasons, rushing for over 1,000 yards each year and serving as a true workhorse. Remarkably, he never missed a single start during his time with the Steelers—a rare feat for a running back carrying such a heavy workload. Still, Harris often struggled to deliver the explosive, game-changing plays that could flip momentum for the offense.

Not all of Harris' challenges were his fault. He ran behind a young, inconsistent offensive line in a developing offense, and a lackluster passing game often left him facing stacked boxes. Now, with Harris no longer on the roster, the Steelers are moving into 2025 with a new backfield trio of Jaylen Warren, Johnson, and Kenneth Gainwell.

Steelers Fans Should Get Really Excited About Kaleb Johnson

While the Steelers respected Harris' effort and work ethic, they clearly saw an opportunity to get younger and fresher with Johnson—who comes in with four fewer years of NFL wear and tear and is on an affordable rookie contract. 

Carter believes Johnson has shades of Bell in his game, and that alone should excite fans. In his view, the concern over Johnson’s 40-yard dash time is misplaced and overblown.

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