When the Pittsburgh Steelers were on the clock with the 83rd pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, fans were buzzing about one name: Shedeur Sanders. The Colorado State quarterback had shockingly fallen deep into Day 2, and with the Steelers still searching for answers at quarterback, it seemed like the perfect time to pounce.
But instead of swinging for a quarterback, Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin stuck to the blueprint—and maybe even doubled down on it. They selected Kaleb Johnson, a tough, balanced, and patient runner out of Iowa. While the move sparked some debate, I genuinely believe this pick fits Pittsburgh’s identity like a glove.
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Kaleb Johnson feels like a running back built in the Steelers' image. Physical at the point of contact like Najee Harris; smooth and decisive in traffic like Le’Veon Bell.
If I were to sketch up the perfect Steeler running back, Johnson’s traits would be the blueprint. He brings the kind of no-nonsense, gritty football this city embraces.
Kaleb Johnson could be the best Pittsburgh Steelers running back in the modern era
His college numbers back that up, too. Johnson averaged an incredible 6.4 yards per carry at Iowa and racked up over 1,060 yards after contact, according to Steelers Draft Headquarters on X. Even more impressive? He didn’t fumble once. That’s the kind of security and toughness you can build a game plan around.
And the beauty of it all? Johnson won’t have to carry the load alone.
With Jaylen Warren already proving himself as a sparkplug in the backfield, Johnson enters a situation where he can be a dynamic 1B—or even evolve into the 1A. His presence allows the Steelers to run the ball with variety and wear down defenses, something that has always been at the core of Mike Tomlin’s winning formula.
I know there were more glamorous picks out there—especially with the quarterback situation unresolved—but Kaleb Johnson might just become one of the biggest steals of the draft. He’s a tone-setter. A back who doesn’t need 25 touches to make an impact, but who could also take over a game if called upon.
He’s not just a pick. He’s a statement. The Steelers aren’t panicking—they’re rebuilding their foundation. And Kaleb Johnson looks like a brick you can build around.