The Pittsburgh Steelers were in a position entering the 2025 NFL Draft where they needed an additional running back capable of taking a big workload. With the departure of Najee Harris as he heads to the West Coast, the Steelers had to find a backfield partner for Jaylen Warren, who enters 2025 on a new one-year tender deal with Pittsburgh. Kaleb Johnson, a perennial running back from Iowa who was projected as a late second-round pick, fell into the Steelers' lap with the 83rd overall pick.
Prior to the draft, some fans were actually worried that the Steelers would go ahead and select Johnson. The negativity surrounding Johnson was due to the concerns about his speed and that he resembles Harris, who did not end up being the first-round choice many had hoped for. Johnson's 4.57 second 40-yard dash is bothering some, but his Iowa film shows his speed on the field is much different. If Steelers fans were told that they'd be getting a second version of Harris in 2025, not many would have been on board.
However, the comparison between Johnson and Harris may be invalid. In fact, Steelers reporter with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Chris Carter, compared Johnson to a former Steelers back that every fan once loved dearly.
"The real Steelers running back that [Kaleb Johnson] compares more to is Le'Veon Bell," Carter said on Wednesday's show. "What Le'Veon Bell would do was he would set up not just the first guy to make him miss, but he would set up the second guy and just how he stacked up the zone. He was also very patient behind his blockers. Najee Harris never really could trust his offensive line. Oftentimes, you see Kaleb Johnson's best runs are not even the ones where he makes a guy miss per say. They're often when he waits just long enough for his tight end or his guard or tackle to get out in front of a guy and then he's like, 'Now is my chance,' and he bursts through."
From 2013 until the beginning of 2018, the Steelers had arguably the best running back in all of football carrying the load for them. Le'Veon Bell became a sensational star quickly after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. With three Pro Bowl and two First Team All-Pro selections in just five seasons, Bell became a running back the city of Pittsburgh would never forget. His steady patience in the backfield waiting for even the smallest hole to open up for him to burst through and create a big gain became his identity.
It actually becomes very critical that Johnson works out with the Steelers. Pittsburgh's offense, with Bell in the backfield, was one of the most feared units in the entire NFL. It hasn't been the same case for the team since guys like Bell, Antonio Brown, and Ben Roethlisberger finished their careers in the Steel City. The offense especially has been poor in recent years with Harris as the lead back. Of course, much blame for the lack of offensive firepower could be put on other individuals aside from Harris, like the offensive line, the inconsistent quarterback play, and the questionable play-calling.
If Johnson can be as productive and efficient as Bell once was, the Steelers will have a very dangerous running back tandem in 2025. The Harris and Warren duo had some sparks occasionally, but never found a consistent groove. The offensive line should have much more cohesion this season, and the DK Metcalf pairing with George Pickens should create great opportunities for the running backs. Once the Steelers find their franchise quarterback, the offense could go back to looking as dangerous as it once did with the Killer B's.
Steelers Have Bright Future At Running Back With Kaleb Johnson
The Steelers are lined up to have Johnson secured for at least the next four seasons. Although some insiders are under the impression this could be Warren's final season with the Steelers, it's still possible he re-signs with them if the connection between he and Johnson pans out. However, things could get ugly if Warren ends up elsewhere in 2026 and if Johnson doesn't turn into the back the Steelers are hoping for.
