It's only September, but the Pittsburgh Steelers no doubt have some regrets from their 2025 offseason decisions. Pittsburgh's trade acquisitions haven't been all that was advertised, while there are already concerns about T.J. Watt's massive contract extension after a quiet start. However, the team's biggest regret has to be drafting Kaleb Johnson.
Johnson, a 6'1'', 224-pound running back from Iowa, was excellent during his junior season before declaring for the NFL Draft. Though there were concerns about his timed speed (4.57 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine), this hasn't been nearly as big an issue as his overall lack of awareness.
In Week 2, Johnson made the most egregious play you'll ever see on special teams. The rookie running back let the ball hit the ground in the landing zone and bounce into the end zone. Unfortunately, he didn't have the sense to realize that this was a live ball.
The Seahawks quickly jumped on the football for a touchdown. This proved to be the turning point in the second half of the game that eventually led to a 31-17 Steelers loss.
Before this nightmarish special teams play, Johnson had a fumble on a kick return in Week 1, which was fortunately recovered by his own team. And just like that, the third-round pick found himself in Mike Tomlin's doghouse.
The Pittsburgh Steelers already regret the Kaleb Johnson pick after a dismal start
While I firmly believe that Coach Tomlin needs to show the rookie some grace in this situation, the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach was quick to bench Johnson from kick return duties after his second strike in Week 2. Tomlin is furious, and this team hasn't gotten close to third-round value out of this selection so far.
Meanwhile, in his first two NFL games, the big running back only got to carry the ball twice for negative one yard. His concerningly small sample of snaps from the backfield makes fans believe that something isn't clicking with Johnson.
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During the offseason, Johnson admitted that he struggled in pass protection and that this was the biggest area he needed to improve in. But apparently, it's not just pass pro that's been an issue—it's his special teams ability, knowing his assignment, and even finding running lanes when rarely called upon.
Now, before his third game with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 22-year-old rookie running back is already trending in the wrong direction and has coaches upset with his performance. Maybe this is a knee-jerk reaction, but it certainly seems like Tomlin and his staff are already regretting this disappointing offseason draft pick.