It felt like an eternity between the Steelers first and second pick in the draft. Being without a second round pick wasn’t ideal, but it allowed them to add a superstar receiver to their roster. Now, they add a star running back.
It was no secret that the Steelers wanted to get a running back in this draft. They brought in an astonishing nine running backs before the draft, and it was clear they wanted a third option in the room to complete the platoon.
That is where Kaleb Johnson comes in. The Iowa runner was a bruiser this past season, and he provides that thunder element to the backfield. While Jaylen Warren will see the starter snaps, he has a competent running mate in Johnson.
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a back like Kaleb Johnson
While a lot of the focus and running back rumors centered around getting a speedy back, it isn’t shocking to see a back like Johnson join the team. While Warren isn’t a traditional speed back, he has elements of that to his game. Kenneth Gainwell has that speed, but he won’t see a huge workload as a backup.
Johnson gives the power element to this offense that it was now lacking. While he runs with a bruising style, his contact balance is also impressive, allowing him to bounce off would be tacklers.
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He also isn’t a traditional plodder. He has good burst as well and can make guys miss in space. Will he constantly break off the 60-yard runs? No, but he can hit 20 plus yard runs on the regular. That is perfect for this backfield.
He can also handle a big workload when needed. If the Steelers get a lead late in the game, they can turn to Johnson to run down a depleted defense. His style fits what this team is lacking while also being a good fit for Arthur Smith’s offense.
The Steelers once again ignored the quarterback position despite some of the top names still being on the board. That said, Johnson has a clear role and could eventually settle in as the traditional starter for this offense.