The Pittsburgh Steelers are about a week into their 2025 training camp, and there is undoubtedly a ton of eyes from Steeler Nation on all the new faces the front office brought in this offseason. Whether it be the trade for D.K. Metcalf, signing Aaron Rodgers to be the starting quarterback, or the several other moves General Manager Omar Khan and company made to improve the roster, there are a ton of new faces around to keep tabs on.
There were definitely more moves than most Steelers fans are used to this offseason, and that likely will lead to some of the incoming rookies not having as high of early expectations like they normally did in recent seasons. Obviously a first round pick like Derrick Harmon will have some expectations of early season contributions, and likely even start, but the rest of the class, the expectations might be tempered because of the big name acquisitions.
Flying under the radar a bit might be just what the rookies need, as there are plenty that still need to be proven at this time. When speaking at a brief press conference after Sunday's practice, Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke on a few different topics. One of those was the current development of third round rookie running back Kaleb Johnson. Tomlin mentioned there is still a lot of room for Johnson to grow, but he will have his opportunity to prove himself.
"He's a willing worker, but you know he needs to improve in all areas. All young people do," said Tomin. "We've yet to play in pads, and obviously regarding his position, that is a major component and so it's an incomplete body of work. Blitz pickup is something that's really evaluated in pads. Certainly he's been working to develop and hone his technique, but the physicality component of something is something that is very difficult to simulate."
There are always a ton of highlights when players are running around in shorts and tee shirts, but once the pads come on is when players really show where they stand against their teammates.
Johnson was an explosive player in college, but he also showed the ability to be a complete running back with his blocking, physicality, and technique. That ability will be put to the test in one drill all the fans, as well as Tomlin, absolutely love: backs on backers.
Physical running backs and linebackers have long been a staple on the Steelers' roster, and the backs on backers drill puts that on full display. Jaylen Warren is highlighted in this drill every year, as while he is one of the smaller running backs throughout the NFL, he is easily one of the most physical and one of the best in pass protection. Johnson being able to learn from Warren in that area is a huge benefit that should pay massive dividends.
While it may be a bit unclear just how good of a player Johnson is at this point until the pads come on, his early performance in camp has shown there are reasons to be optimistic about an improved Steelers run game in 2025.
Steelers Players Can't Wait To Put Pads On
While getting back to practices with the entire team after what seemed like a never ending offseason definitely is exciting, until the pads come on, it isn't true football just yet. Many players are already chomping at the bit to prove themselves and get to the physical aspects of the game. One of those many players is second-year offensive lineman, Troy Fautanu, who missed the majority of his rookie season with injury.
After practice, Fautanu spoke with the media saying how he can't wait to put the pads on, and that things are already starting to get a little rowdy between the offense and the defense. It is incredibly hard to really show your talents as a lineman, on either side of the ball, when you aren't in pads. Someone like Fautanu who carries around high expectations after being a first round pick in 2024 will only benefit from being able to prove he was well worth the draft capital the Steelers spent.
