Steelers put Jaylen Warren on notice after passing on quarterback yet again to draft a future starter at the running back position
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a starting running back when round three and number 83 overall approached on Friday night. They also, however, needed a quarterback, and Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe were both on the board. They went RB anyway, signifying a new starter in Pittsburgh. Steelers select RB Kaleb Johnson 83rd overall Kaleb Johnson […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers needed a starting running back when round three and number 83 overall approached on Friday night.
They also, however, needed a quarterback, and Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe were both on the board.
They went RB anyway, signifying a new starter in Pittsburgh.
Steelers select RB Kaleb Johnson 83rd overall
Kaleb Johnson is the perfect fit for the Steelers' scheme. A big-bodied wide zone runner who can also get vertical, few backs in this class fit Arthur Smith's scheme the way that Johnson does.
Kaleb Johnson Scouting Report
RB, Iowa
Age (21): (08/14/2003)
A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: NO. 54
Pre-Draft Round Projection: Round 2
Despite growing up in Ohio State's backyard, the powerhouse program never offered the countries' 43rd-ranked running back. Kaleb Johnson was only a one-year starter in high school but took little time to earn a significant role in the committee at Iowa. His pulverizing power is complemented by his great straight-line burst and speed. He might've been the second best back in the entire country in 2024.
Career Projection: Immediate quality starter
Kaleb Johnson doesn't do anything spectacular, which is why he was available toward the latter portion of round three. He didn't run an elite 40-yard dash, and he doesn't have a ton of elusiveness.
But he has a lot of Steelers lead back to him. At over 6-1 and 220 pounds, coming from a run-heavy scheme and with excellent tape and stats, he's a player you hammer defenses with before Jyalen Warren comes in to change the pace.
And that's no shot at Warren, but at 5-8 and just over 200 pounds, he's not the Steelers cup of tea when it comes to being a lead back.
The bigger story here, however, is that the Steelers passed on Shedeur Sanders yet again despite reports of them being very interested in Sanders and having internal dialogue about taking him at 21 per multiple reports.
So unless there are some sudden medical concerns, the character concerns may be even too much for the Steelers, which is saying a lot at this point.
