Training Camp Spotlight: Steelers Rookie Shining in Every Way Possible
We are just about a month away from the 2025 NFL season, and players all around the league are showing up and making a strong impression. One of the consistents is Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson. The former Hawkeye was just the sixth RB off the board in the 2025 draft, but he’s shown that he has all the tools needed to be one of the top players of his class. That said, if he wants to be a long-term three-down back, he knows that the one area he must improve in is pass-protection. The young stud is already showing improvement and remarkable hustle.
Work ethic is far from the issue with Kaleb Johnson; he’s not just willing to work, he wants to. The defense has run the show for most of training camp, until Johnson decided someone on offense needed to step up. Pittsburgh ran its signature “Backs on 'Backers” drill for the first time earlier in the week, and Kaleb showed some struggles, but also some development. The most impressive rep came when Mike Tomlin matched him up with downhill linebacker Mark Robinson. Kaleb held his own against the fourth-year linebacker, and he didn’t let him forget it. This led to a large clash between the offense and defense, led by the RBs and LBs, and was eventually broken up. Earlier in the drill, Johnson lost to Patrick Queen but was competitive. He missed on initial contact against Malik Harrison but fought to the whistle and received compliments from running back coach Eddie Faulkner. It’s safe to say Johnson is settling well into Pittsburgh’s culture and spirit.
While pass-protection is an extremely volatile factor in being a long-term three-down back, the six-foot-one, 224-pound bruiser has more than enough talent to climb the depth chart. There are levels to Kaleb Johnson’s game. He’s extremely patient in the backfield but very decisive. He keeps his feet moving when reading blocking developments, and he has the build and pure strength to run over and through second-level defenders and break away big runs. Johnson has also shown the ability to produce at a high level with a heavy workload, racking up over 1,500 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 6.4 yards per carry on 240 attempts throughout 12 games. The rookie stud is only 21 years old and has shown an undeniable work ethic so far in his rookie campaign, and he’s just getting started.
