Welcome to the Steelers, Kaleb Johnson

Harris was a poor fit for a wide zone based system. He’s a damn good back, just not for this offense. Enter Kaleb. He’s about the same size as Harris, but just a tick faster and significantly more adept in a wide zone system.

 

Much of the same was said about Derrick Henry. Now, it is very premature to say that Kaleb Johnson will become Derrick Henry ever but Henry's 4.54 should serve as a reminder as to 40 times are not the end of the world for RB Prospects. Kaleb isn't beating the likes of SaQuon or even Dylan Sampson in a race but he can wear down a defense all the same.

 

Didn't Le'Veon Bell have a 4.5 forty time? Didn't hurt him much.

 

Bell ran a 4.6

 

When I watch Kaleb in the Iowa uniform, I thought it was Najee highlights.
I still like the pick, jus sayin…

 

if----the off.--line blocks we will see what he can do--- if not--We will also see what he can do

 

TBH, it wouldn't surprise me to see Johnson start the year ahead of Gainwell. Gainwell will fit into the role help by Cordarelle Patterson last year, while Jaylen will see 15-18 touches a game and Johnson in the 8-11 range. Hopefully it becomes a near 50/50 split eventually, because that would mean that Johnson has done well with his reps and earned more share. Gainwell might get a series a game, or 3rd down share when Johnson spells Warren.

Jaylen will be the starter and 3rd down back, while Kaleb will spell him on a few drives and potentially in short yardage situations. Gainwell gets 3rd down duties when Warren is being spelled. Unless Johnson struggles to earn the team's trust in camp/preseason, this is how I see it playing out. Johnson is too good right now to be losing out on carries to Gainwell on first and second down duties. He wont be handed the job, because that isn't the Steeler or Tomlin way, but I find it hard to imagine that he won't earn it by week 1.

The more I see of Johnson, the more I like him. He runs a lot like Arian Foster. Foster was a similarly sized, one-cut runner that had great vision. He played a lot faster than his 40 time and was quite a good back for a 5-ish year stretch (injuries kinda did him in). Obviously, I am not sure whether or not Johnson will get to that level, but there are a lot of similarities in size and style.

 

Wait a minute....so none of the RBs we had could run what he likes to run???

 

I think by the end of the season Kaleb will be RB1.

 

I think I must agree. While I like Warren, at no time has the Steelers shown they trust Him enough to be the number one back.

 

I never heard that quote from Smith myself. I'd find it odd that Warren couldn't run outside zone. He seems well-made for it.

 

Exactly my thoughts .

 

They should start Johnson. He is used to slamming his head into the line 25-plus times per game for a team with no passing attack.