Steelers select Kaleb Johnson with 3rd-round pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 83rd overall.

The Steelers opted to address the running back depth despite quarterback Shedeur Sanders still remaining available. Johnson set a school record with 23 touchdowns while adding 1,725 scrimmage yards in 2024.

Johnson joins a Steelers backfield that includes Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. Former starting tailback Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency.

Pre-draft profile

Johnson will naturally be compared to some more physical backs based on his size alone, but that's not really his game. The Iowa product is a smooth, zone runner who gets the job done with vision and tempo. His big-play production comes not from breakaway speed but his ability to set up blocks, cut upfield, and burst into the second level. When he gets there, he demonstrates the balance to shake off weak contact and maintain his stride. There's upside for even more broken tackles if he can improve his pad level and better utilize his frame. A more patient approach may be required for scheme diversity, and he won't offer much in pass protection out of the gate, but Johnson can be an extremely productive early down runner in a Kyle Shanahan-style, outside-zone system.