The Pittsburgh Steelers have quietly become a contender, and rookie running back Kaleb Johnson might be the secret weapon they’ve been waiting for.
Despite being snubbed in ESPN’s latest running back rankings, the Steelers aren’t flinching. If anything, they’ve already put the league on notice.
Head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan have pulled off an aggressive offseason, stacking talent through trades and smart draft picks.
The recent blockbuster deal that brought in tight end Jonnu Smith and star cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins only reinforces one message: the Steelers are gunning for the Super Bowl.
While Ramsey adds lockdown prowess to an already formidable defense, and Jonnu Smith reunites with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the move does more than strengthen depth—it directly benefits third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson.
Johnson, a standout at Iowa, has impressed everyone in Pittsburgh since being drafted in April. Averaging 5.3 yards per carry in college, he brings both burst and vision traits that have already caught national attention.
Pro Football Focus listed him among fantasy football sleepers, and even Nike spotlighted him as a notable first-year athlete. His work ethic during OTAs and training camp has been praised as “veteran-like,” a rare compliment in Tomlin’s demanding system.
The Pittsburgh Steelers trade for Jonnu Smith will help Kaleb Johnson explode in 2025
But the addition of Jonnu Smith changes everything.
Smith isn’t just another tight end—he’s a proven asset in Arthur Smith’s playbook, known for his strong blocking and route-running ability. This duo’s history from their time in Tennessee gives the Steelers immediate chemistry in the offense.
For a rookie like Johnson, that’s game-changing.
With Smith occupying linebackers both as a blocker and pass-catching threat, Johnson will see wider lanes and fewer stacked boxes. It’s a recipe for early success.
Something is exciting about seeing a rookie click into place in the right system. Kaleb Johnson doesn’t need to be flashy—he needs opportunity. And Pittsburgh is giving him that, plus the infrastructure to thrive.
A dynamic defense, a strengthened offensive line, and now a tight end who creates mismatches? That’s a gift for a downhill runner like Johnson.
While ESPN may overlook the Steelers' backfield, fans in Pittsburgh—and smart analysts—know the truth: this team is ready. And Kaleb Johnson? He’s more than ready. He might be the engine that helps power the Steelers deep into January.