Steelers rookie predicted to outshine fellow AFC North draft picks in Year 1

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Last year, the Pittsburgh Steelers ranked 12th in the NFL in rushing, as they averaged 121.9 yards on the ground per contest.

However, in free agency this offseason, Pittsburgh lost Najee Harris to the Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Fields to the New York Jets and Russell Wilson to the New York Giants. That trio accounted for 1,487 of their 2,166 rushing yards on the year.

While the Steelers added veterans Kenneth Gainwell and Evan Hill in free agency, they entered the NFL draft with a clear need for a true lead back.

After taking Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with pick No. 21 in the first round, the Steelers waited until they were on the clock again in the third round, and with pick No. 83 they selected running back Kaleb Johnson.

Despite Johnson being a Day 2 pick, Newsweek's Gavino Borquez recently projected that the 21-year-old will have one of the biggest impacts of any rookie in the division this year.

"Despite being in a spot to draft Shedeur Sanders, the Steelers stayed away and selected Johnson to address their biggest remaining position need," Borquez wrote. "Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's system is perfect for a player like Johnson, who is excellent with inside- and outside-zone concepts. Jaylen Warren is best used as a change-of-pace back, so Johnson should get plenty of volume in his rookie season. And with an improved Pittsburgh offensive line, Johnson should find success running behind it."

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Johnson was a three-start recruit out of Hamilton High School in Hamilton, Ohio, who originally committed to the University of California but flipped to the University of Iowa during his senior season.

In 35 games over three seasons, Johnson rushed for 2,779 yards and 30 touchdowns on 5.5 yards per attempt. He also caught 29 passes for 240 yards and two scores.

Last year, Johnson had his best season yet, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry, which was enough to earn All-Big Ten and All-American honors as well as Big Ten Running Back of the Year.

There's a strong chance that Johnson earns the starting job in training camp and never looks back. A steady running game would be extremely beneficial for whoever is under center in 2025, whether that be Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, sixth-round pick Will Howard or someone not currently on the roster.