Mike McCarthy just put his arm around highly criticized recent draft pick who many believe is on the Steelers’ roster bubble
Mike McCarthy isn’t going to give up on a highly criticized recent draft pick, who some are questioning the duration of his time in Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Kaleb Johnson with their second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, hoping that they found their next Le’Veon Bell. A patient runner with a similar skillset and profile to Bell when coming out of Michigan State, it was very apparent that while Johnson shares some qualities with the famous Steeler, he needed some serious seasoning.
Training camp was like drinking through a fire hose for Johnson. Then came the preseason, where he looked timid and hesitant. All of that underscored a botched kickoff return that ultimately ended his rookie season before it could begin in terms of playing time. That hasn’t turned Mike McCarthy off, however.
Mike McCarthy is not ready to give up on Kaleb Johnson
“I understood what happened with him on special teams, but he’s a young man. Look at his draft value. I’m going to challenge to be a three-down player and a special teamer. All of that is part of being a young RB,” McCarthy told reporters at the annual league meetings.
“I am aware of their past experiences, but this is like a Catholic operation, and you say three Hail Marys and everybody has a clean slate and let’s get to work.”
Where Kaleb Johnson fits in Pittsburgh’s RB room
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ RB room went under some serious remodeling this offseason, and we are still two weeks out from the NFL Draft. Rico Dowdle was the big-name addition in that room, and he figures to compete for starting reps alongside Jaylen Warren.
So one would believe that Johnson slots into the RB No.3 role pretty easily, right? Not quite. Johnson now has veteran competition with the acquisition of Travis Homer. Homer is largely a special teams player with only two games of starting experience, but it won’t make Johnson’s job any easier.
So it’s safe to say that even with the blessing of Coach McCarthy, Johnson will have his work cut out for him. I still believe, and I’m sure the Steelers brass still believes in the third-rounder out of Iowa, it’s just about taking that next step when Organized Team Activities start later this spring.
Pittsburgh Steelers News
Steelers to use a 30 visit on highly underrated prospect who could make good on recent NFL Draft miss in Pittsburgh
The Steelers are showing interest in a highly underrated prospect.
