The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a highly active and eventful offseason so far, with both significant departures, as well as key acquisitions. With the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, the organization now shifts its focus to upcoming offseason programs, such as Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp, as they begin laying the groundwork for the regular season ahead. The NFL Draft plays a crucial role in shaping the future of a franchise, offering teams a valuable chance to reinforce their rosters with fresh talent. While first-round picks often grab the headlines, many successful and productive players are discovered in later rounds, making the entire draft process a vital part of building a competitive roster.
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The 2025 NFL Draft held in Green Bay, WI.
One of the most talked about names from the Steelers' 2025 draft class is Kaleb Johnson, a running back out of the University of Iowa who was selected in the third round with the 83rd overall pick. Recently, ESPN’s Fantasy Football and NFL Draft Analyst Field Yates released a list ranking the projected impact of rookie players who were not selected in the first round. Johnson earned an impressive number 6 spot on that list, a significant spot for a third-round pick. Yates also provided several key insights to support his ranking, shedding light on why Johnson could play a major role for the Steelers this season.
"Jaylen Warren will of course play a useful role for Pittsburgh, but Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has a well-established affinity for bigger, bruising backs like Johnson," Yates wrote. "It won't surprise me at all if he leads Pittsburgh in carries this season."
Jaylen Warren has emerged as an important piece in the Steelers' backfield heading into the 2025 NFL season. After signing a one-year restricted free agent deal, Warren was originally poised to take on the starting running back role following Najee Harris' departure to the Los Angeles Chargers. Over his first three seasons, Warren has demonstrated consistent performance, recording 1,674 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 346 carries, along with 894 receiving yards and a touchdown on 127 receptions. In the 2024 season, he recorded 511 rushing yards and 310 receiving yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability. Despite never starting a game, Warren's versatility and reliability have earned him the trust of the coaching staff. When healthy, he has proven to be exceptional.
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Steelers' Jaylen Warren looks on during a regular season home game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Harris, the former Steelers running back, was drafted in the first round at 24th overall of the 2021 NFL Draft and quickly became a key part of the team’s offense. Over his four seasons in Pittsburgh, Harris started all 68 regular season games, recording 4,312 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on 1,097 carries. He also contributed 1,125 receiving yards and 7 receiving touchdowns on 149 receptions. Known for his durability and workhorse mentality, Harris surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first three seasons. However, the Steelers declined his fifth-year option in 2024, with concerns of his fit within the team's offensive scheme.
When Harris moved on from the Steelers, his exit included some controversial comments about the organization, which left fans and analysts alike questioning his feelings toward the team. In contrast, Johnson's comments couldn’t be more different, as he has expressed genuine excitement and pride in being part of the Steelers’ roster. Johnson's new presence signifies a fresh start for the team’s backfield, starting what could be a new era for running backs in Pittsburgh. With this shift, fans are hopeful that Johnson's enthusiasm to be in Pittsburgh will help reinvigorate the position and bring a renewed sense of energy to the Steelers' offense.
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Ex-Steelers running back Najee Harris speaks about his time with Pittsburgh while being interviewed as a Charger.
Steelers' Offensive Scheme Matches Johnson's Abilities
Yates’ observations align closely with the vision that Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has expressed for the future of the Steelers' offense. Smith has emphasized his desire to build an explosive unit, a plan that Johnson seems well-suited for, especially given his physicality and size as a bigger back. The Steelers have long been recognized for their run-heavy offense, making Johnson’s role even more critical.
As the team looks to maintain and evolve that identity, it will be exciting to see how Johnson contributes, not only during his rookie season, but as a potential long-term asset in Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme.
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