In Pittsburgh, ground-and-pound football isn’t just a tactic — it’s tradition. From Franco Harris to Jerome Bettis, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ legacy has leaned on running backs who punish defenders and move the chains. But in recent years, that tradition has hit a wall.
Despite flashes of production — including a standout season from Najee Harris — the running game has lacked consistency and, more importantly, impact.
The result? A disappointing offensive output and an early divorce from Harris this offseason.
Luckily, the Steelers now have Kaleb Johnson.
Selected with the 83rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson arrived in Pittsburgh with high expectations and an opportunity to change the narrative. And just a few weeks into OTAs, he’s already making waves. The rookie out of Iowa is showcasing the exact traits the Steelers have been craving — speed, agility, and vision, combined with a work ethic that’s turning heads on and off the field.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a future franchise RB in rookie Kaleb Johnson
Social media has been buzzing with clips of Johnson’s footwork drills, route running, and laser focus during practice. While it’s easy to get caught up in OTA hype, Johnson's performance feels different.
He’s not just flashing — he’s stacking good days. His ability to contribute as both a rusher and receiver adds a dynamic that Pittsburgh desperately lacked last season outside of Jaylen Warren.
And here’s the thing: Johnson looks ready.
Yes, it’s still early. Pads haven’t popped, and preseason hasn’t arrived. But there’s an energy about Johnson that’s hard to ignore. He moves with purpose. He practices with urgency. He knows the opportunity in front of him, and more importantly, he looks built to seize it.
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Arthur Smith’s offense leans heavily on the run game to set the tone. With Johnson in the mix, the Steelers might finally have the kind of dual-threat back who can keep defenses guessing and bring balance to a system that lacked identity last year.
I’m not saying he’s the next great Steelers running back just yet, but I believe Kaleb Johnson has all the tools to become a staple in this offense.
If his OTA performance is any indication, Pittsburgh may have struck gold at pick No. 83. And for a franchise rooted in running the rock, that’s a welcome sign of things to come.