Kaleb Johnson ready to hit the ground running for the Steelers

If there was one word often used to describe the Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 NFL Draft class, it would be value. For some, value is describing a player who is available when most would have thought they wouldn’t be. For others, it is about the impact the player could have on the roster for the upcoming season.

For Steelers 3rd Round pick Kaleb Johnson, he could fall into both categories. Most saw Johnson as a Round 2 draft pick, and the impact he can have from Day 1 is undeniable. The value is there, and Johnson is more than excited to get started with his professional career in Pittsburgh.

“My heart dropped. My heart sunk,” said Johnson. “I had been waiting all day. It was a dream for me and my family. It’s an unreal feeling. I can’t explain it. I am more than excited now. I am blessed.

“I feel like God put it in his hands. I am a Steeler now. I am ready to work.”

When it comes to Johnson’s “fit” in the Steelers offense, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is excited to see what Johnson can do within his offense. After all, when Najee Harris was the team’s running back, his scheme fit wasn’t really ideal for the Smith offense. But Johnson seems like a match made in heaven.

“Excited about getting Kaleb Johnson in here,” said Smith. “Really explosive running back that we spent some time with on a 30 visit here. One of the more instinctive backs that I’ve watched in a couple of years coming out of the draft.

“Perfect fit regardless of whatever run scheme you’re running. He ran multiple at Iowa. Really impressive as a volume runner as the game went on, and one of the more impressive stats you’ve seen is the fourth quarter — what he averaged in the fourth quarter. I believe it was over five yards per carry. Might have been closer to six.

“We think he’s a great culture fit. Obviously extremely fired up to get Kaleb in here.”

Johnson did meet with the Steelers during a pre-draft visit and felt a comfort level with the team from the get-go.

“It was great from the jump,” said Johnson. “As soon as I came in, they welcomed me. Me and (running backs) Coach (Eddie) Faulkner, we talked heart-to-heart. Me and him know what we need to do now to come out on top. I am going to give them my all.

“Mike Tomlin in general, he told me he likes me as a player, and he wants me to come. I told him let’s do it. It was all in God’s hands. That’s all I can say.”

For Johnson, the connection he felt towards the Steelers goes beyond the coaching staff, but even to his now teammates.

“I feel like in general, the relationship with the players, learning from Coach Faulkner,” said Johnson. “Me and Jaylen Warren, we are going to be good together.

“I can’t wait to work. I am excited right now.”

The hope is Johnson isn’t just a fit on paper, but can hit the ground running and help catapult the team’s running game into the upper echelon in the NFL. In the meantime, Johnson looks to be a tremendous addition to the Steelers, and also immense value as a 3rd Round pick.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for OTAs and minicamp.