If the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t believe in roster construction before, they do now.
A flurry of smart offseason moves — from free-agent signings to savvy trades and draft selections — has put Mike Tomlin’s team in control of the AFC North with a 3-1 record. It hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been progress.
Still, for all the excitement surrounding this retooled roster, one question is starting to emerge: could the Steelers already be feeling a bit of buyer’s remorse over their third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?
That pick, rookie running back Kaleb Johnson, came into training camp surrounded by high praise and high expectations. He looked like the kind of power back who could give the Steelers’ offense another gear — a blend of strength, vision, and burst that fit perfectly into Arthur Smith’s run-heavy philosophy.
But as the season has unfolded, those expectations have been replaced by frustration.
Simply put, Johnson has yet to make a meaningful impact. His stat line through four weeks reads like a player still trying to find his footing: eight carries for 21 yards. That’s not the kind of production you expect from a third-round pick, especially on a team that values physicality and efficiency in the run game.
And while it’s fair to give a rookie time to develop, it’s also fair to admit that the early returns have been disappointing.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must evalaute Kaleb Johnson closely through the regular season
Training camp optimism has faded into muted concern, and Johnson’s role seems to be shrinking by the week. It’s not just the numbers — it’s the lack of rhythm, confidence, and consistency. He’s clearly in Mike Tomlin’s proverbial “hot seat,” buried behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell on the depth chart.
Now, it’s worth acknowledging that the Steelers’ offense as a whole has been a work in progress.
Arthur Smith’s unit is still trying to find its identity. The running game has been inconsistent, and the lack of a true WR2 continues to haunt the passing attack. As General Manager Omar Khan evaluates potential trade options to bolster the offense, it’s only natural to wonder if the team might have missed out on a player who could have helped right now.
There were intriguing names still on the board when Pittsburgh selected Johnson. Wide receivers like Dont'e Thornton Jr., drafted in the fourth round by the Las Vegas Raiders, and Jaylin Lane, picked by the Washington Commanders, are both making modest contributions.
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Thorton Jr. has five receptions for 94 yards, while Lane has six catches for 45 yards — not jaw-dropping numbers, but still more than what Johnson has provided thus far.
That’s where the feeling of “what if” creeps in.
What if the Steelers had gone with another wideout instead of a developmental running back? What if they’d addressed their WR2 concerns in the draft rather than hoping the offense would sort itself out? It’s easy to play the hindsight game, but in a season where every inch matters, those missed opportunities feel heavier.
To be clear, I’m not calling it quits on Kaleb Johnson. The kid still has potential, and he’s in one of the best environments in football for developing young players. Mike Tomlin doesn’t give up on talent — he challenges it. Johnson’s story is far from written. But it’s also fair to say that the Steelers expected more by now.
As the season rolls on and Pittsburgh eyes a deeper playoff push, every roster spot — and every snap — matters. If Johnson can rise to the occasion and prove his worth, this conversation will fade away quickly. But if he continues to struggle, the questions about the 2025 third-round pick will only get louder. For a franchise built on making the most of every draft choice, that’s a tough reality to swallow.