Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson views himself in the company of two Pro Bowl running backs.
"I feel like I'm a versatile back. I could be a Derrick Henry back, or I could be a Dalvin Cook back," Johnson recently told the team's official website. "And I feel like that's what separates me from a lot of backs in the league and in this class that I came into because I just feel like, you know, overall. I feel like I'm a fast back, and I could be a strong back, also catch the ball in the backfield and be reliable."
A one-cut runner, Johnson blasted off in his one year as a starter at Iowa. In 12 games in 2024, the Hawkeyes' top back dashed for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns on 240 carries in a run-heavy offense. Johnson also flashed ability in the passing game, finishing third on the team with 22 catches for 188 yards and two receiving TDs -- given how relatively little Iowa threw the ball, that's stellar production.
His speed-to-power mix has led to comparisons with Henry, with whom Johnson said he communicated 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 and stuff like that. So, that was very exciting," Johnson said of Henry, who encouraged the younger player as a bigger runner.
Asked if Henry, with rival Baltimore, is OK with him being drafted by the Steelers, Johnson quipped: "I don't know. I haven't talked to him since."
A see-hole-hit-hole runner, Johnson doesn't have a lot of wiggle, but he hits openings hard and skates through arm tackles. At 6-foot-1, 224 pounds, he has the size to withstand hits and dish out punishment.
As his 4.57-second 40-yard dash suggests, he doesn't have top-end speed, but Johnson made plenty of big plays at Iowa thanks to vision, patience and running through the first tackle. His second-level burst is good, even if he won't run away from many defensive backs.
Johnson's ability to run more outside zone should open up offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's ability to change up the Steelers' style of running game in 2025.
Going from Iowa to Pittsburgh in the AFC North keeps Johnson in a smashmouth setting, one the third-rounder appreciates.
"It's really grateful because I feel like it relates to the Big Ten and what I played in," he said. "So, I feel like I'm really used to the smashmouth, you know, running the ball football. I'm really excited to get to work and really excited to be a part of this organization.
Johnson's power and ability in the passing game give him three-down upside in the NFL. In 2025, he'll split carries with Jaylen Warren and give Smith a more versatile backfield than the OC worked with last year.
