The Pittsburgh Steelers have a new look offense in 2025, but their overall philosophy remains the same. Even with big additions like Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf now in tow, this is a team that wants to run the ball early and often under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
With Najee Harris departing in free agency, a new partner in crime for Jaylen Warren became a huge need heading into the 2025 NFL draft. That is where third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson entered the fold. The former Iowa Hawkeye is a perfect fit for Smith's zone-heavy rushing attack, with the vision and build-up speed needed to break long runs like he did at the college level.
Despite the supposed scheme fit, Johnson is firmly behind the incumbent Warren and is even listed as the third back behind free-agent pickup Kenneth Gainwell. While I doubt that lasts for long (and may not even really be the case right now), it appears his Steelers career may not start with a bang.
Kaleb Johnson's role still unclear as the Pittsburgh Steelers enter Week 1
Running back is one of the few positions that often hit the ground running (pun intended) when making the jump from college ball to the NFL. A good runner with the right collection of traits can instantly be a force if given a big enough share of the workload.
Johnson has all the makings of a feature back at the next level, especially in the wide-zone run game. He was picked by the Steelers ahead of many other talented backs available where he was drafted for a reason. However, Jaylen Warren's recent contract extension makes it clear that he isn't giving up his spot as the lead back so easily.
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Warren has never had more than 210 touches in a season at the NFL level, and he has been banged up frequently over the past year. Expecting him to match the nearly 300 touches that Harris had last year would be foolish, but getting closer to 250 or more is possible. Assuming the Steelers give their backs around the same 500 touches they got last year, that still leaves plenty for Johnson to potentially get.
With Gainwell ahead of him on the depth chart (and being a more comparable skillset to Warren), however, his debut against the Jets may be underwhelming to say the least. He showed flashes in the preseason, but he clearly hasn't done enough to even be the unquestioned No. 2 back.
His share of the touches should increase as the season goes on, but anything higher than 10 total touches in Week 1 would be a bit surprising. Unless he can break away for a big gain on a few of those opportunities, his first game as a Steeler could end up being a forgettable one.