Welcome to the Steelers, Kaleb Johnson

Agreed, but I'm among those who think Johnson is going to step right in and play a big role. I know not everyone here agrees with that.

 

Beyond disappointed and surprised with the pick. Go to YouTube and watch his 35 min every touch video and consider..

-how many times he was shut down when hit behind LOS before he gets his momentum going. He's a big RB that is finesse, most of his really successful runs and tackle shedding comes specifically on very well blocked runs he's able to gain steam, which isn't going to happen much in the NFL let alone the AFC north. You aren't just gonna be able to have a clear run way to get going very often, so scratch those plays and start your evaluation with how he looks contested near the LOS

-he's too scheme specific. He isn't even the ideal zone RB for us. What's going to happen when Smith leaves, forced to narrow OC search for strictly zone scheme guys? He doesn't show patient vision, wiggle, or fight to get through crowds without built up forward momentum. Nothing like Bell except for his height.

-no tenacity, fight, aggression or dynamic abilities "in a phone booth" and a lack of short area power are qualities in a AFC north RB? Are we getting him out in space on 3rd downs then? Is that his thing? No, he's not quick footed, he's not known as a pass catcher, and hes not juking players in the open field.

His conditions/paths for success are too narrow and specific in the NFL. Teams game plan too well and are too quick/physical, especially in our division and come playoff time.

They should've traded down from the pick and taken 1 of the dozen other good RBs that would've still been available. This draft had ridiculous talent rounds 2 through 4 and we're 1 of the few teams that didn't take advantage of it. Our 2nd Rd pick cost 30 mill per, theirs cost nothing against the cap.

He's definitively not in my top 15 RB fits for the Steelers this draft. Sorry, I can't be a homer.. I dunno what they're thinking. I have no optimism this team can contend in the next 6+ years with decisions being made

 

I am beyond the beyond of bearish of Pat Meyer.


That is my personal X Factor for the 2025 Steelers. Up to him. Others would place Broderick Jones but Pat Meyer isn't blameless here either.

 

NFL Draft Network had Johnson as their 3rd rated back.

 

So did The Athletic.

 

FWIW, I timed one of his runs on his youtube highlights. Went almost 60 yards for a TD. But the 40 yd equivalent time calculated to 5.6 sec.

 

Well that is an extremely useful piece of information

 

run to the open hole. don't listen to najee.

 

Just watched Johnson`s highlights on YouTube. He looks slippery and sneaky fast.

 

Arthur Smith did an interview after the Johnson pick, he talked about Johnson being a good fit to run the zone plays and being explosive. He will play early and often.

 

I’ll maintain a lot of this will be dependent on his ability to pass block

Are you excluding this or is this something you think he can learn

Iowa was not exactly a passing offense

 

I am thinking he can learn it well enough to play. He certainly won't be getting third-down snaps outside of short yardage, but I think the Steelers believe he can do it well enough to get significant playing time as a rookie, too. If not, they'd better sign a veteran to help.

 

How Ferentz still has the Iowa job after so many years of mediocrity is beyond me. Wait, sounds like someone else we know... Good points you raise.

 

I like the pick. Johnsons acceleration and speed had him breaking off runs of at least 40 yards in six games.. Harris has never had a a 40 yard run in four seasons with Steelers. They do however have similar styles but imho an upgrade to Harris.

 

Steelers coaching staff requires, blocking for QB, ball security and receiving. Here is hoping Kaleb is up to the task.

 

Johnson did not fumble once during his entire career at Iowa. Supposedly, he catches the ball well, too, but hasn't done that much yet. The pass protection is a legitimate concern, but I imagine they will get him to the point that he is serviceable enough for them to use him.

 

The Athletic's comp was DeMarco Murray. I would take that.

 

Not so sure he doesn't contribute this year.

Personally, I think it an overstatement to say he can't pass protect. It's Iowa - they don't pass much. I've seen some sketchy reps from him in that role; I've seen others where he did fine. He just needs more reps with it, but that's most backs when they come into the league.

Not sure what his draft round has to do with anything. If he were later Day 3, maybe you make this argument, but the 2nd/3rd rounds are kind of the sweet spot for backs right now - with a class this deep you could include parts of the 4th. Most had 2nd round value on him going in. I know I didn't expect him to be there at 83. Bottom line is he's got talent, and is a great fit for outside zone schemes.

That said, there are concerns. What makes him good in outside zone is his vision and ability to hit the crease when he cuts upfield. But he's not that elusive, nor does his game revolve around battering through defenders, despite his size. He could have some trouble if the OL doesn't execute more consistently. And yes, he needs more reps to refine his technique in pass pro, and add to his route tree, so the play-calling can more interchangeable between Warren and him.

 

Again, it’s illogical to hate on this pick. We needed a RB and 3rd was a good time to take one. I preferred a speedster like Neal but this guy appears to be the one all the “so called” experts luv. As stated before I still can’t figure out why they didn’t extend Najee early when chanced, but perhaps behind the scenes there’s something I don’t know.

Watching him, you can see there’s something there that may fit like a glove to our way of offense. Hoping, We’ll see.

 

Wow that's shocking that his forty time was slower wearing a full uniform and eluding defenders rather than wearing shorts and track shoes out of a sprinters stance.

 

And I’m going to guess the route he took wasn’t exactly a straight line