Former Iowa running back and Steelers 3rd round draft pick, Kaleb Johnson, not only has the potential to be a star, but a pro-bowler in his first year in the league. Johnson rushed for 1,537 yards on 240 carries, and crossed the goal line 21 times last year as a Hawkeye.
Steelers fans and followers are not the only ones excited and confident for Johnson’s rookie campaign, as Kaleb stated that he views himself similarly to two pro bowl running backs.
Johnson stated to the team's official website, “I feel like I’m a versatile back. I could be a Derrick Henry back, or I could be a Dalvin Cook back…I feel like that’s what separates me from a lot of backs in the league and in this class…I feel like I’m a fast back, and I could be a strong back, also catch the ball in the backfield and be reliable.” Needless to say, half the battle is won when a young and hungry running back already has the mentality of wanting to succeed and grow in this league.
Some push back to the idea of Kaleb Johnson being a rookie pro-bowler would be the fact that Jaylen Warren currently has the RB1 title. However, the Steelers have shown that they prioritize size, power, and vision over a smaller back that is more explosive at the line. While both backs should see similar touches early in the season, it would be no surprise to see Johnson breakout and excel behind a young offensive line, and great run-blocking tight ends in Darnell Washington and Donold Parham.
While we have yet to see a full season with Jaylen Warren as the starting running back, it is hard not to get excited about a rookie bolstering an offense with a lack of wide receiver depth, and well, no starting quarterback yet. Johnson hasn’t failed us yet, right? And for that reason Steelers fans will fall head over heels for him.
Amidst all the speculation, one key component of the Steelers offense is the fact that there is currently no known starting quarterback. With OTA’s starting next week, one would believe that the run game would be of high priority as things start to reveal themselves at the QB position. Whoever's under center, Kaleb Johnson looks to be a crucial part of the Steelers offense, and may just earn himself a pro bowl title in his rookie season.