Steelers go for “explosive” with Kaleb Johnson in Round 3
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t go off-script by trading any players or future capital to get into the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday night. That pick was one they’d sent to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for D.K. Metcalf. Instead, the Steelers held pat and selected a running back in Kaleb Johnson that Arthur Smith called a “great culture fit” with pick 83 overall in the third round.
The Pittsburgh #Steelers select Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson in the #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/ZL2qw5mJFU
— (@steelcityundrgr) April 26, 2025
Johnson, a Hamilton (Ohio) native that played collegiately for the Iowa Hawkeyes, was also described by Smith in his post-selection press conference as a “really explosive running back.” At 6’1″, 224 pounds, Johnson was named Big Ten Running Back of the Year, All-Big Ten, Second-team Associated Press All-American, and a finalist for the Doak Walker Award (given to the nation’s top running back annually) in 2024.
Johnson set a Hawkeyes record with 23 total touchdowns (career); he ranked sixth in the FBS with 138 points scored. The running back also tied for 6th in Iowa history with 21 rushing touchdowns, 7th in school history with 1,537 rushing yards (240 carries with a 6.4 yards per carry average), and 8th with 1,725 all-purpose yards.
When talking about Johnson, Smith emphasized that the Steelers, overall, want to field “an explosive offense” but balanced, as well. He spoke to how Johnson ran in a heavy zone at Iowa but, Johnson can do that and run gaps as well. Johnson’s ability to transition quickly, with good instincts and awareness, can boost the team regardless of scheme. The team will work with him on building blocking skills and more involvement in the passing game, something he didn’t do as much of with the Hawkeyes.
NFL Pro Scouting Combine results
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.57 seconds
- 10-Yard Split: 1.62 seconds
Although his times at the Combine weren’t nearly as impressive as other running backs, Johnson has more finesse to his run style and his tempo is what allows him to get to the second level. He can wear down opposing defenses and do damage in space, making himself hard to bring down to the turf: an arm tackle isn’t going to do. His extra yardage at the end of the play is a positive.
As Teresa Varley shared on X, after he was selected Johnson said, “My heart dropped. I had been waiting all day. It was a dream for me and my family. It’s an unreal feeling. I can’t explain it. I am more than excited now. I am blessed. I am a Steeler now. I am ready to work.”
Get ready to work 🫡@Kj_Superman2 | #SteelersDraft pic.twitter.com/PHGUkecvF2
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 26, 2025
Johnson now fills a void created by Najee Harris departing during free agency. He impressed the Steelers during his pre-draft visit and that made enough of an impression, mixed with his tape, to earn him a spot in their 2025 draft class. Whether the team utilizes him in tandem with Jaylen Warren is something Smith would not commit to during his presser.
https://youtu.be/XwadVKig-js?si=OifasItoAAPIMASd
