The Pittsburgh Steelers may be starting to feel like they got a bad egg with their third-round pick last year. Kaleb Johnson was a huge riser during his final college season for his tough running style and explosive burst. It felt like he was a steal getting him so late on day two.
However, his rookie season was nothing short of a disaster.
Jaylen Warren maintained his status as the lead back, which was to be expected. However, Kenneth Gainwell surprised as an effective weapon out of the backfield. That made Johnson the third fiddle.
The team tried to get him involved on special teams, which was a disaster, and then they just kept him as a third back who saw very little work.
Talk is rampant that he won’t be on the team after the summer. However, his roster status may hinge on one surprising player sticking.
Kaleb Johnson needs the Pittsburgh Steelers seventh-round pick to stick
Eli Heidenreich is a versatile chess piece on offense. He can serve as both an unconventional receiver and running back. The goal for him will be to provide value on special teams.
Many expect him to be a backup returner, and given his strength and tenacity, it feels safe that he can serve on coverage units. There are assumptions here, but assuming he can get on the roster and wear all of those hats, it takes some pressure off of Johnson.
Depth running backs typically need to offer something else other than offensive value. They see so few snaps on offense that it is hard to justify that roster spot if that is all they offer.
Johnson needs to show some value on special teams to really secure his spot. If he can’t, or if that value is minimal, you suddenly have a name like Travis Homer biting at his heels.
If Heidenreich sticks as that do-it-all option, then Johnson’s ability on special teams is less critical. You certainly don’t need two special team options at running back.
Of course, just making the roster is part of the battle. Playing time would still be sparse, and more than likely, Johnson would be a weekly inactive. That said, it preserves his chance, and he would be just one injury away from being needed.
In short, Johnson needs a lot of help this summer. Heidenreich being an effective option and making the team would certainly help his cause.
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