Let’s Be Patient With Kaleb Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ selection of Kaleb Johnson in the third round of this year’s draft has created a lot of buzz, and understandably so. But as fans, it’s important to balance excitement with perspective. Johnson is not a player who was drafted to step in as an immediate, franchise-defining weapon like Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs. Those players were handed the keys to their teams from day one, expected to be “The Guy” right out of the gate. Johnson, on the other hand, enters Pittsburgh with a different, more measured set of expectations: grow, develop, and eventually take over as the Steelers’ RB1.

It’s natural for fans to compare Johnson to Najee Harris, who was the Steelers’ primary back for the last four seasons. Harris was a first-round pick who never fully transformed into a game-changer, though he has been incredibly reliable. Johnson, drafted in the third round, should not be expected to immediately put up Robinson- or Gibbs-like numbers. His path will be gradual: learning the nuances of the NFL game, building chemistry with the offensive line, and developing into a feature back.

Already, some impatience has cropped up. Johnson has only played in one preseason game, logging three carries behind a Steelers line that was missing Isaac Seumalo. Yet there are fans ready to label him a bust. That is premature. Development takes time, and rushing a third-round pick is rarely productive. Plenty of backs drafted outside the first round have developed into reliable starters or even stars over time, and Johnson has that same potential.

Steelers fans should also remember that talent, opportunity, and fit matter as much as draft status. Pittsburgh has a proven track record of developing physical, tough running backs who fit the Steelers’ style of play. Johnson’s skill set of vision, balance, and ability to handle contact aligns with that philosophy. He also has two talented running backs in front of him to learn from. Jaylen Warren is an explosive ball of muscle who runs through contact, breaks tackles, and is one of the best in the NFL at pass protection. Kenneth Gainwell is a smaller, shifty back who is also solid in pass protection but is more known for making defenders miss in open space, just ask Donte Jackson. Kaleb may not light up the stat sheet from the first snap, but he could grow into a back who consistently wins tough yards that turn into explosive runs.

It’s okay to feel excitement. I know I was very high on the pick and may have even let my own expectations get a little ahead of reality. That’s normal for passionate Steelers fans. But excitement should be tempered with patience. Johnson’s first few games are just the beginning of a journey that will not define his career.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to watch a young, talented back like Kaleb Johnson develop under the guidance of running backs coach Eddie Faulkner. The potential is there for him to become a special back, a major piece of the offense, and a player who can energize the fanbase for years. Fans should watch closely, cheer loudly, and give Johnson the room to grow. With patience and the right development, Johnson could be exactly the kind of RB1 the Steelers have been looking for.

So yes, be excited, but don’t treat him like a first-rounder expected to dominate immediately. Instead, watch him learn, improve, and make his mark on the Steelers’ offense.

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