The Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t just draft a running back in the third round — they have added a player who sees himself as a blend of two of the most dominant backs of the last decade. Kaleb Johnson, a bruising and productive runner out of Iowa, is already turning heads with a rare combination of confidence, production, and mentorship from an unlikely source.
Johnson’s name might not have been the flashiest on the board, but his résumé speaks volumes. Over 1,500 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns in just one season as Iowa’s featured back, plus added value as a pass-catcher, made him a no-brainer for an offense that just let former first-rounder Najee Harris walk.
Now teamed with Jaylen Warren and operating under run-heavy offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, Johnson enters a situation tailor-made for his physical, downhill style — and he’s not shying away from the moment.
Steelers’ Rookie Channels Two of NFL’s Best in Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook
Johnson has no shortage of self-belief. When asked to describe his game, the 6’1, 225-pound force didn’t hesitate to align himself with two Pro Bowlers.
“I feel like I’m a versatile back. I could be a Derrick Henry back, or I could be a Dalvin Cook back,” Johnson told Missi Matthews of Steelers.com. “That’s what separates me from a lot of backs in the league and in this class … I could be a fast back, and I could be a strong back — also catch the ball in the backfield and be reliable.”
The comparison to Henry isn’t just a projection — it’s personal. Johnson revealed that he connected with the Ravens’ new lead back during the draft process.
“I’ve been texting him and he’s been texting me. He’s been very motivating and really just telling me the ins and outs of the league,” Johnson shared. But when asked if Henry was happy about his landing spot in Pittsburgh? Johnson laughed: “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him since.”
Steelers OC Arthur Smith, who coached Henry for years in Tennessee, sees similar potential.
The Steelers failed to retain the quarterback Smith reportedly wanted in Justin Fields, but he got the running back. For a run-oriented offensive coordinator, Johnson is Arthur Smith’s dream.
“Really explosive running back,” Smith said. “One of the most instinctive backs I’ve watched in a couple of years coming out of the draft … got more impressive as the game went on. We think he’s a great culture fit. Fired up to get Kaleb in here.”
OC Arthur Smith speaks to the media about RB Kaleb Johnson: pic.twitter.com/m1jGq0T0pa
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers)
Hailing from Pittsburgh’s rival city, Cincinnati, the Steelers took Johnson, fondly known as “K2,” in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft (No. 83).
A see-hole-hit-hole runner with limited wiggle but impressive acceleration, Johnson carved up defenses at Iowa with his blend of vision and physicality. Though his 4.57 40-yard dash doesn’t scream breakaway speed, he often ran through first contact and thrived in fourth quarters — averaging over five yards per carry in the final frame.
What Johnson lacks in top-end speed, he makes up for with reliability, versatility, and toughness — three traits Pittsburgh covets. His pass-catching upside (22 catches, 188 yards in a low-volume Iowa offense) rounds out a profile that could earn him a significant role early on.
“It’s really grateful because I feel like it relates to the Big Ten,” Johnson said of landing in the AFC North. “I’m really used to the smashmouth, running-the-ball football.”
And now, in a backfield with Jaylen Warren and under an OC who values the ground game, Johnson has a chance to prove his comparisons aren’t just bold — they’re justified.