It was a mild surprise when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 draft. The need was there, and the player fit, but the surprise was that Johnson was available to begin with.
At one point in time, Johnson was viewed as a potential first-round pick, and almost everyone else expected him to go sometime in the second round. With size and nimbleness as a runner mixed in with impressive college performances, Johnson has the makings of a potent runner.
So far, he has looked the part, displaying burst in practices and the ability to handle a workload for the Steelers' offense. While he will split time with Jaylen Warren, the hope is that both can be subbed in and out to provide different strengths to this unit.
However, it has become clear that Johnson has a major weakness, and it could cause him to lose playing time.
While not the flashiest trait for a running back, the Steelers require their runners to be adequate blockers. Often, they are asked to stay in the backfield and pick up blockers on passing plays. As a blocker, Johnson has a long way to go.
Kaleb Johnson needs to get better as a blocker for the Pittsburgh Steelers
It may not seem vital, but if Johnson can’t improve as a blocker, he won’t see a significant workload as a rookie. On paper, that doesn’t make a lot of sense.
If Johnson proves to be a viable runner, why can’t you just leave him off the field on passing plays? In theory, that allows him to play to his strengths and still thrive while the superior blocker in Warren can take on those snaps.
READ MORE: Steelers forced to cut a fan favorite in 53-man roster prediction
However, that would instantly become the biggest tell for defense. If you see Johnson trot on the field, you can assume the Steelers are running the ball. No matter how talented Johnson is as a runner, he won’t succeed if defenses can focus on plugging the run.
While his traits as a receiver are unknown, that is far less of an issue. Plenty of backs who aren’t good receivers can still succeed as long as they can block. If, however, the blocking isn’t there, neither will be the playing time.
There is a real reason to be excited about Johnson. His college tape as a runner is excellent, and he has flashed those same traits as a rookie already. If he can’t become a well-rounded unit as a player, though, it will cost him playing time.
He needs to get better as a blocker. If he doesn’t, his role as a rookie will be limited in favor of more well-rounded players.