Hype Train Isn’t Slowing Down for Steelers’ Rookie RB

It’s safe to say there will be no shortage of goals for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025-26. Improvement in certain areas on both sides of the ball is paramount. On offense, specifically, the passing game is the subject of the offseason with Aaron Rodgers in town.

Perhaps just as interesting, though, are the players he’ll be handing the football off to. The Steelers have a new-look running back rotation following the departure of Najee Harris. Veteran Jaylen Warren will see an increased role, but rookie Kaleb Johnson is far from overlooked.

In fact, the third-round pick is getting plenty of flowers. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic is the latest to provide them by way of naming Johnson a potential breakout candidate.

Kaleb Johnson Could Help Solve Steelers’ Run Game Efficiency Problems

The Steelers had good intentions but bad execution last season. The data certainly backed that up. There’s a very clear need for an added punch and even more consistency on the ground.

DeFabo believes the new kid on the block could be a major part of the solution.

“Enter rookie Kaleb Johnson,” DeFabo wrote on July 14. “The former Iowa ball carrier excelled on wide-zone runs in college, which makes him an ideal scheme fit for Smith’s offense. The Steelers’ third-round draft pick will have to earn his carries in a well-rounded backfield that also features Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. But with a patient running style and a bruising body type, Johnson has an excellent chance as the season plays out to take his first step toward becoming the Steelers’ feature back of the future.”

Johnson’s college production certainly opened a path for a legitimate NFL career. In his final season with the Hawkeyes, he toted the ball 240 times and racked up 1,537 yards with a staggering 21 touchdowns. Additionally, he set career-high receiving marks for catches (22), yards (188) and touchdowns (2) en route to being named an All-American.

Advanced metrics liked Johnson’s season, too. For instance, Johnson’s 86.5 Pro Football Focus offense grade ranked 16th out of 154 FBS halfbacks with 100-plus carries last season. He took tremendous care of the ball, ranking third with a 91.6 fumble grade.

Workload Split Will Determine How Effective Johnson Is in Rookie Year

As DeFabo noted, Johnson must earn each and every opportunity with the Steelers. He won’t be handed a high-volume role right out of the gate. Warren is a formidable option with better efficiency stats than Harris. There’s every reason to give him an extended look and see if he’s worthy of being the club’s top back. Expectations are high for him, just like they are for Johnson.

The supporting roles of a running back will make or break Johnson’s 2025 workload, especially early in the year. Elements like receiving out of the backfield and pass blocking make the difference between a change-of-pace back on early downs, a third-down option or a featured piece. Unfortunately for the rookie, things aren’t working in his favor there.

Warren is a reliable pass catcher, hauling in 127 passes in three seasons. Johnson’s 2024 growth there was nice, albeit still a bit underwhelming. Additionally, while Warren doesn’t grade well as a pass protector, Johnson is far from a high-end solution there. In the same aforementioned 154-player sample from last year, Johnson’s 56.8 PFF pass block grade was good for 74th. Middle-of-the-pack may not cut it.

In order to truly break out in year one, Johnson must do the little things it takes to stand out. Training camp is a perfect time to keep that momentum rolling.