Kaleb Johnson NFL Draft only came to an end on Friday night.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson with their third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After adding defensive lineman Derrick Harmon in Round 1 and trading their second-rounder for DK Metcalf, the Steelers locked in on toughness — and Johnson fits the mold perfectly.
A powerful, one-cut bruiser from Iowa, Johnson steps into a backfield rotation that now features him alongside Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.
“A perfect zone runner for Arthur Smith’s offense,” Steelers GM Omar Khan said.
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🏫 Hamilton High School: Ohio Roots, Built Different
📍 Hamilton, Ohio (Hamilton High School)
Kaleb Johnson wasn’t a five-star diva. He was a multi-sport grinder with track speed and a linebacker’s mentality. In his final season at Hamilton, he ran for:
- 🏃♂️ 1,334 yards on 156 carries
- 💥 21 total touchdowns
- 🔥 8.6 yards per carry
He also clocked sub-11 in the 100-meter dash and returned kicks. Scouts took notice — he earned a 3-star rating from 247Sports and committed to Iowa over offers from Michigan State, Cincinnati, and Iowa State.
Why Iowa? One word: physicality.
He knew he’d be forged in black and gold. And that’s exactly what happened.
🐤 Iowa: From Freshman Flash to RB1 Force
📘 Freshman Year (2022): Breakout Alert
Kaleb Johnson didn’t wait around. He snatched the starting job mid-season and exploded onto the scene with 763 rushing yards and 6 TDs, averaging 5.2 YPC.
🚨 Notable Game: vs. Purdue
- 22 carries
- 200 YARDS
- 1 TD
- Big Ten Freshman of the Week
He became the first Iowa freshman to rush for 200+ yards since 2001. Coaches raved about his vision, balance, and ability to finish runs like a vet.
Iowa fans knew — this wasn’t just another RB. This was a cornerstone.
📙 Sophomore Year (2023): Adversity & Grit
Injuries (ankle + nagging hip) slowed Johnson early in the year, but he still put up:
- 🧱 603 yards on just 129 carries
- ⚡ 4.7 YPC
- 🚀 4 TDs
Despite Iowa’s offensive struggles (IYKYK), Johnson was a steadying force. Even in a low-output year, he moved the chains, broke tackles, and delivered when the line gave him daylight.
📕 Junior Year (2024): The Bellcow Era
Fully healthy and with a revamped O-line, Johnson delivered:
- 📊 1,244 rushing yards
- 💣 12 rushing TDs
- 🐂 3.8 yards after contact (PFF Top 5)
- 🧱 0 fumbles in 277 touches
Iowa leaned on him like a workhorse — 25+ carries in six games — and he answered the bell every time. His vision sharpened, and he started showing more second-level wiggle, proving he’s not just a thumper.
He declared for the 2025 NFL Draft after finishing top 3 in the Big Ten in rushing — and without question, the most physical RB in the class.
Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
🆚 2025 RB Class Comparison
| Player | Style | Projection | Draft Range |
| Ashton Jeanty | Shifty/Receiving Back | RB1 Ceiling | Top 15 |
| Omarion Hampton | Balanced/3-down | Versatile Workhorse | Late 1st–2nd |
| TreVeyon Henderson | Speed/Agility | Explosive Big-Play Guy | 2nd Round |
| Kaleb Johnson | Power/Grind | Chain-Mover, Goal-Line Threat | Late 2nd–3rd |
Bottom line? Kaleb’s not flashy — but he might be the safest bet to earn a second NFL contract.
⚡ Steelers Fit: Smashmouth Reload
The Steelers lost Najee Harris in free agency — and Johnson is the power back to replace him.
- 🏋️♂️ 6’1″, 224 pounds
- 🏃♂️ 4.57-second 40-yard dash (Combine)
- 🔥 21 runs of 20+ yards in 2024
OC Arthur Smith plans to lean on inside and outside zone concepts, and Johnson’s no-nonsense running style fits perfectly.
Expect him to immediately compete for carries, especially in goal-line and short-yardage packages.
“I’m excited to bring my toughness to Pittsburgh,” Johnson said.
K2️⃣ @Kj_Superman2 | #SteelersDraft pic.twitter.com/i9j0yNkRFF
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 26, 2025
🔮 Steelers Futures: Post-Draft 2025 Betting Odds
📈 Super Bowl Odds (FanDuel): +4000
📊 AFC Championship (DraftKings): +1800
📍 AFC North Winner (Caesars): +600
📅 Regular Season Wins O/U (bet365): 9.5
If Johnson becomes the chain-mover Pittsburgh envisions, expect a tough, gritty AFC North battle every week.
🏁 Kaleb Johnson NFL Draft: Steel City Power Surge
Kaleb Johnson isn’t flash — he’s firepower. The kind of runner Pittsburgh fans love.
Built by Iowa. Ready for Sundays.
And now, ready to carry the rock for the Steelers.
