Steelers' Mike Tomlin Defends Rookie Kaleb Johnson About 1 Major Concern

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a statement by drafting a running back in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, as opposed to a quarterback instead. With their 83rd overall choice in the draft, the Steelers chose to pair Jaylen Warren up with Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson's big 2024 campaign led him to being one of the top prospects in the backfield this offseason, and the Steelers are going to need someone to make up for all of the carries that used to go to Najee Harris. Johnson was brought in by Pittsburgh to create a more explosive offense, but despite that, some believe his speed isn't good enough. 

Johnson ran a 4.57 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this offseason, which isn't Earth-shattering, but by no means should his speed be underestimated. After Johnson was selected, the broadcast highlighted the amount of runs of 20 yards or more he broke out in 2024 (21) and was second in all of college football. He also had the third-highest number of carries that were at least 15 yards last season. Johnson is an explosive weapon, and that's why the Steelers were ready to take him in the third round. 

Some fans in the Steel City are worried that Johnson could have a career like Harris did in Pittsburgh -- seemingly slow and unable to create big plays. On Saturday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin explained in a presser why he and the front office weren't worried about Johnson's speed before they picked him on Friday night. 

"We didn't question his speed whatsoever watching the video," Tomlin said. "Oftentimes, that's the case. You can watch video and be really excited about someone's speed or you can go to the Combine and get excited about their Combine 40-time. His speed was not in question on video. He broke a lot of long runs in the Big Ten as we talked about earlier. He's just a very talented young guy, but, also, at the same time, he's a third-year junior and it's just exciting to be a part of his continued growth process."

Johnson may not have the fastest 40-yard dash time, but it's no easy task to track him down on a football field. The Steelers have been lacking big-time plays from the backfield, and the organization hopes Johnson is able to change that. 

Johnson wasn't expected to be available at the 83rd overall pick, and the Steelers could have ended up with one of the biggest steals from the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson will get a big workload, even in his rookie season, considering how much the Steelers like to run the football. 

Both Johnson and Warren have great skills as receiving backs. Arthur Smith revealed that the Steelers want to get better in the passing area of the offense, and having two explosive running backs that can make plays through the air will help. 

Steelers' Offense Complete Once Aaron Rodgers Signs Or Starting Quarterback Is Named

As the 2025 NFL Draft concludes, the Steelers will walk away with a quarterback room of Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson. The Steelers said they will have four quarterbacks going into camp, and that fourth member is expected to be Aaron Rodgers. Once the quarterback issue can finally be put to rest for at least one more season, the starting offense is fully complete. The Steelers didn't need to draft or sign any starter-caliber offensive linemen, as the starting five for 2025 was already set. The backfield is now complete between Johnson, Warren, and Kenneth Gainwell, and the Steelers have the best wide receiver duo they've had in years between George Pickens and DK Metcalf. 

Are you at all worried about Johnson's speed? If you are, consider the fact that he had the second most runs of 20 yards or more in college football last season. How do you think he and the rest of the Steelers' 2025 offense will do? Let us know in the comments below.

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