After letting Najee Harris walk this summer, the Steelers had a big need at running back. They filled that void in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting RB Kaleb Johnson in the third round out of Iowa.
Johnson played three seasons for the Hawkeyes and really exploded onto the scene in 2024. He finished with 240 carries for 1,537 yards and a whopping 21 touchdowns. Johnson averaged 6.4 yards per carry. He’s not very effective as a pass catcher, only recording 22 receptions for 188 yards a season ago.
Johnson will complement Jaylen Warren extremely well, as Warren is more than effective out of the backfield. Warren finished last season with 38 receptions for 310 yards. Despite splitting reps with Najee Harris all season, that’s a great return for a running back.
Johnson and Warren will provide a legit one-two punch, but the question becomes who will receive the bulk of the volume and fantasy production?
Warren should get the early advantage here due to his NFL experience, but Johnson certainly has the capability of taking the job by seasons end. According to reports, that’s exactly how it’s been playing out so far in training camp. Warren has been the first back out there, but Johnson has had his chances with the first team as well. Johnson is a boom or bust pick due to his uncertainty with playing time, but could turn out to be a great pick depending on how the season develops.
He struggled in his preseason opener, rushing eight times for 20 yards for an average of 2.5 yards per carry. He bounced back nicely in his next game, rushing 11 times for 50 yards and a 4.5 average against Tampa Bay. It was another solid performance from the rookie in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale, finishing with five carries for 24 yards. Johnson’s sample size is obviously limited, but it’s a solid start to his NFL career.
I think Johnson landing in Pittsburgh is a great opportunity for him, and one that he will take going forward. There are not too many RB rooms in the NFL without a clear cut bell cow back, but the Steelers were one of them.
