Kaleb Johnson NFL draft grades: Steelers receive high praise for electric third-round pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers have passed on Shedeur Sanders once again, as the team used the No.83 overall pick in Round 3 on Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson.

Johnson had a productive 2024 campaign for the Hawkeyes, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 21 touchdowns. The dynamic playmaker could be Pittsburgh's No.1 running back and should be a nice replacement for Najee Harris, who left for the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.

Though selecting Sanders would've been the popular pick at No.83 overall, experts are loving the Steelers' selection of Johnson in Round 3.

Steelers draft grades for Kaleb Johnson

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: A

Iyer: "The Steelers still haven't taken a QB but had to be pleased to get their power back of choice to replace Najee Harris and complement the quick Jaylen Warren. He can have a key early-down."

Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: A+

Dochterman: "Well, no Shedeur Sanders here for the Steelers. But Pittsburgh got an even better player in running back Kaleb Johnson. After two inconsistent seasons, Johnson (6-1, 224) became a consensus first-team All-American last year after rushing for 1,537 yards and a school-record 22 touchdowns at Iowa. Johnson produced 21 runs of 20-plus yards, which is tied for the most among power-conference running backs over the last six seasons. He did that with the nation’s 130th ranked offense, too."

Nick Brinkerhoff and Ayrton Ostly, USA Today: A

Brinkerhoff and Ostly: "This may be one of the best fits of the day. Johnson is powerful, bruising one-cut runner in the mold of Derrick Henry and DeMarco Murray. He's not an open-field speedster but uses great patience, power and vision to churn out yards."

Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame: B+

Verderame: "Johnson is on the second tier of this loaded running back class, alongside Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins. At Iowa, Johnson ran for 1,537 yards to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors while being named a second-team All-American as well. The big question is his speed after he timed a 4.57 40-yard dash at the combine."

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