Looking back to last spring, the Steelers stayed patient on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft. After sending their second-round pick to Seattle in the D.K. Metcalf trade, Pittsburgh held their position at No. 83 and selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, a player Arthur Smith described at the time as a “great culture fit” and “really explosive.” The move signaled the team’s intent to reshape the backfield after Najee Harris’ departure.
The Pittsburgh #Steelers select Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson in the #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/ZL2qw5mJFU
— (@steelcityundrgr) April 26, 2025
Why the Steelers Made the Pick
The Steelers were searching for a back who could fit their push toward a more explosive, balanced offense. Johnson checked every box they emphasized publicly:
- Physical profile (6’1”, 224)
- Proven production in a major conference
- Downhill style that matched Smith’s zone-and-gap hybrid run game
- High-character, team-first reputation
Smith repeatedly pointed to Johnson’s ability to transition quickly, read blocks, and create yards after contact — traits the Steelers believed would translate immediately.
Who Johnson Was Coming Out of Iowa
Johnson entered the draft as one of the most decorated backs in the country:
- Big Ten Running Back of the Year
- All-Big Ten
- Second-team AP All-American
- Doak Walker Award finalist
He set Iowa’s school record with 23 total touchdowns, ranked sixth in the FBS in scoring, and posted 1,725 all-purpose yards. His Combine numbers weren’t elite, but his tape showed tempo, vision, and the ability to wear down defenses.
The Steelers also noted he had room to grow as a pass catcher and blocker — areas they planned to develop.
Fan Reaction and Draft-Night Debate
At the time, fans were split. Some wanted a defensive pick after the team’s struggles up front, others questioned taking a running back this early, and many were intrigued by Johnson’s production and physicality.
The selection wasn’t universally celebrated, but it fit the Steelers’ identity and their need to replace Harris with a long-term option.
One Year Later: How the Pick Aged
Looking back on the 2025 season, Johnson didn’t become an instant star — nor did he did carve out a meaningful role. He was stuck behind a timeshare in the backfield with Jaylen Warren, who was signed to a contract extension during the summer, leading the way.
When Warren was sidelined, it was Kenneth Gainwell who emerged as the next lead back, so much so that Gainwell was named the team’s MVP for the 2025 by his peers. This essentially made Johnson an afterthought.
A critical mental mistake during a kick return in a home loss to the Seattle Seahawks further cemented Johnson’s slow start, as he was benched from special teams duty as the team relegated others, including veteran running back Trey Sermon, to take his place.
Looking back, the Johnson pick wasn’t flashy, but it aligned with the Steelers’ identity and needs. His rookie year didn’t produce headline numbers, yet the foundation is clearly there — and Pittsburgh still believes he can grow into a major contributor.
Stay tuned as we revisit another key moment from last season in next week’s Recall.