Kaleb Johnson is the ideal running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The size, skillset, and scheme fit are requisite of a lead back in Pittsburgh, and he had been on the Steelers' radar for a while.
Arthur Smith said as much, while also taking a subtle shot at Najee Harris.
Kaleb Johnson a much better fit for Arthur Smith's scheme
"I pivoted. I mean last year we didn't run as much true outside zone, you know, and that was due to just some of the familiarity with some of the players we had," said Smith on Friday. "You try to adapt to the strengths of the players, you don't wanna be rigid. So we ran a lot less wide zone, outside zone, whatever you wanna call it than I had previous couple years. I think Kaleb can do it all. I mean he ran plenty of gap schemes at Iowa."
What Smitn essentially said without all the way saying it, is that he couldn't run his scheme because Najee Harris didn't fit it. Smith came to prevalence during his time with the Tennessee Titans thanks to Derrick Henry, and as HC of the Atlanta Falcons, where he drafted Bijan Robinson.
Johnson may not be either of those players, but he doesn't have to be.
"A really explosive running back that we spent some time with on a 30 visit here," added Smith on Johnson. "One of the more instinctive backs I've watched in a couple years coming out of the draft. Perfect fit. Regardless of whatever run scheme you're running, he ran multiple at Iowa. Really impressive as a volume runner. As the game went on, I think one of the more impressive stats you've seen, what he averaged in the fourth quarter, I believe it was over five yards per carry. It might have been closer to six. We think he's a great culture fit."
Kaleb Johnson doesn't do anything spectacular, which is why he was available toward the latter portion of round three. He didn't run an elite 40-yard dash, and he doesn't have a ton of elusiveness.
But he has a lot of Steelers lead back to him. At over 6-1 and 220 pounds, coming from a run-heavy scheme and with excellent tape and stats, he's a player you hammer defenses with before Jyalen Warren comes in to change the pace.
And that's no shot at Warren, but at 5-8 and just over 200 pounds, he's not the Steelers cup of tea when it comes to being a lead back.
Kaleb Johnson is that cup of tea.
