2025 Steelers Offensive Bold Predictions

As we sit here in May and the NFL offseason starts to slow down, I thought now would be the perfect time to dive into some long-range forecasting for all three units on the Steelers’ roster.

But instead of doing a standard breakdown, we’re going bold — with some unexpected predictions that I genuinely think have a real shot of coming true if things mostly stay as they are right now. Of course, that includes the possibility of one more quarterback joining the fold — a certain veteran who’s been heavily rumoured to land in Pittsburgh for the 2025 season.

So, let’s get into it: here’s the mid-offseason edition of Steelers Offensive Bold Predictions!

Kaleb Johnson has the most carries on the team

Heading into the season, the expectation is that Jaylen Warren — the longest-tenured running back on the roster — will be the 1A in the position group from the jump. And that very well may be the case. But third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson is no stranger to being the lead back in a room, especially when it comes to handling volume. If he turns into the player many believe he can be, he could end up being the best fit to carry the load by the time the 2025 season is all said and done.

In 2024 with Iowa, Johnson logged 240 carries — the 9th-most of any running back in the FBS regular season. From a volume standpoint, he proved he could hold up just fine. But it’s his physical profile that really makes this a legit possibility. At 6’1″, 225 pounds, Johnson brings prototypical bell-cow size, and when you pair that with his scheme-specific traits, it’s easy to envision him emerging as the back who takes the most handoffs for Pittsburgh this year.

Kaleb Johnson is a legitimate RB1

➖Age: 21
➖Size: 6’1, 224 lbs
➖Production: 1,725 Yards, 23 TD’s

He accomplished this in JUST 12 Games and didn’t Fumble ONCE all season (262 Touches)..

Advanced Analytics:

➖2nd in Break Away Yards (861)
➖4th in Yards After Contact (1,060) pic.twitter.com/ECEuxxZQG4

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) March 10, 2025

George Pickens has a career year

Entering the final year of his contract with the Steelers, George Pickens heads into 2025 as the team’s number two wide receiver, following the blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf and his five-year, $150 million extension. There was plenty of speculation leading up to the draft that Pickens could be on the trade block, but with the draft now behind us, it feels less likely the Steelers will move on from him — at least in the short term.

With that in mind, 2025 could shape up to be Pickens’ most productive season yet. His current career-high sits at 1,140 yards and five touchdowns — numbers he posted in Year 2. While the arrival of Metcalf may reduce the overall volume forced his way, it also means, for the first time in a long time, Pickens likely won’t draw most the defensive attention. Instead, Metcalf will command CB1’s and double teams, giving Pickens more favorable matchups — often against the opposition’s number two corner.

On top of that, we could see Pickens used more creatively within the offense. With Metcalf expected to dominate snaps at the X, it opens up opportunities for Pickens to move around the formation more than we’ve seen in the past — which could unlock a whole new level in his game.

The Steelers average 4.5 yards per carry

The 2024 Steelers were a volume rushing attack, finishing 4th in the NFL with 533 rushing attempts. However, the efficiency left plenty to be desired — they averaged just 4.1 yards per carry, with only six teams performing worse in that category. If the Steelers can boost that number to 4.5 YPC in 2025, it would be a massive jump, likely placing them inside the top 12 for rushing efficiency — and it could serve as a major catalyst for a successful season.

So, what could spark this improvement?

First off, the expected natural progression of the offensive line — especially with the addition of 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu. Secondly, splitting carries between Jaylen Warren and rookie Kaleb Johnson should lead to more explosive plays than the slightly banged-up Warren and Najee Harris tandem offered last season. Lastly, with DK Metcalf and George Pickens commanding attention on the outside, defenses will be forced to lighten the box more often, likely leaning into Cover 2 looks. That means one less DB crashing down into run support — a subtle but key shift that could open lanes we didn’t see in 2024.

All things considered, there’s a real path to the Steelers making that significant 0.4 YPC leap — and it could quietly be one of the most important developments for their offense in 2025.

As always, we want to hear from you! How do you feel about these predictions — too bold, or not bold enough? Let us know in the comments below!