Could the Pittsburgh Steelers have found their next workhorse running back in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft? The selection of Iowa Hawkeyes standout Kaleb Johnson signals a potential shift in the Steelers' offensive strategy and a promising future for the young player. The draft, held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Friday, saw the Steelers make a significant investment in their ground game, selecting Johnson with the 83rd overall pick.

Kaleb Johnson's journey to the NFL is a testament to his dedication and talent. He heard his name called at the 83rd overall pick, a moment that marked the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter in his football career. The Steelers, known for their rich history and commitment to running the ball, saw something special in the young running back from Iowa. The decision to draft Johnson, while potentially passing on other highly touted prospects, underscores the team's belief in his ability to contribute immediately.

Category	Details
Full Name	Kaleb Johnson
Date of Birth	August 14, 2003
Birthplace	N/A
Current Team	Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
Position	Running Back
College	Iowa Hawkeyes
Height	N/A
Weight	N/A
Draft	2025 NFL Draft, Round 3, Pick 83
Key Achievements	Big Ten Running Back of the Year (2024), Doak Walker Award Finalist, Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards Semifinalist, 779 rushing yards as a freshman (most in the nation)
Playing Style	Tough runner, good frame for taking hits
Arm Length	9 7/8 inches
Reference	ESPN Player Profile

Born on August 14, 2003, Kaleb Johnson's path to the NFL was shaped by his impressive college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes. In 2024, Johnson showcased his talent, earning accolades and establishing himself as a top prospect. His outstanding performance in 2024, which included 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, earned him numerous honors. He was named a Doak Walker Award finalist and a semifinalist for the Maxwell and Walter Camp Awards, culminating in his recognition as the Big Ten Running Back of the Year. The statistics speak for themselves, highlighting his impact and dominance on the field.

Johnson's breakout season with the Hawkeyes was particularly noteworthy. On November 7, he was named the Big Ten Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week, demonstrating his immediate impact and ability to perform at a high level. His success didn't happen overnight; it was the result of consistent effort, dedication, and a deep understanding of the game. In just his third season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Johnson had already solidified himself as one of the best running backs in the Big Ten, proving his ability to compete at the highest collegiate level.

The selection of Johnson in the third round reflects the Steelers' strategic vision for their offensive future. The team's decision to use the 83rd overall pick on Johnson, passing on other potential options, indicates their confidence in his potential to contribute significantly to their running game. This move suggests a commitment to a more balanced offensive approach, focusing on the ground game to control the clock, wear down opponents, and create opportunities for play-action passes. The Steelers' coaching staff clearly saw something special in Johnson, projecting him as a valuable asset to their running back room and a potential cornerstone of their offense.

In terms of style of play, Johnson brings a physical presence to the field, and he reminds some analysts of former NFL running back Hubbard. His frame is one of his most significant assets. Kaleb Johnson possesses a build that enables him to absorb hits and bounce off defenders, which is crucial for a running back in the NFL. He has the durability to withstand the rigors of a long season, making him a reliable option for the Steelers. This ability to withstand physical contact will be essential as he faces the challenges of the NFL.

One of the keys to Johnson's success, as he himself has pointed out, is a simple but effective approach. "It's mainly just, hey man, outside leg of the guard, and just reading the flow of your linemen, and really just hitting it hard," he said. This straightforward strategy highlights his understanding of the fundamentals and his commitment to executing them at a high level. This simple approach, combined with his natural talent and physical attributes, positions him well for success in the NFL.

Johnson's journey also includes participation in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. This event provided an opportunity for scouts and coaches to evaluate his skills, athleticism, and potential. Participating in the combine, along with other Iowa Hawkeyes players, demonstrated his commitment to preparing for the next level and showcased his abilities on a national stage. The combine allowed NFL teams to assess Johnson's physical and mental capabilities, influencing their draft decisions.

Before his professional career, Johnson's college career had a profound impact on his family. Iowa City, where he played for the Hawkeyes, held special significance. It was where Charlene Strader, in the final stage of her life, thought about Kaleb Johnson. Strader's message to her husband at the time reflects the deep connections forged through the sport and the community surrounding it. These relationships are a testament to the values of the sport.

In the context of the NFL draft, analysts projected Johnson as a solid pick in the third-round range. His ability to run between the tackles and his frame make him a valuable asset, but his lack of elite lateral movement skills and contact balance might limit his ability to consistently create extra yardage. Despite these limitations, his strengths make him a good fit for the Steelers, who value running the ball effectively.

His performance in college highlighted the impact of his physicality and determination, as evidenced by his impressive rushing yards and touchdowns. His ability to excel at the college level has set the stage for a promising professional career. The Steelers will be looking for him to continue this trend.

The 2025 NFL Draft marked an important moment for Kaleb Johnson, as his slide finally ended in Pittsburgh. This provides him an opportunity to make his mark in the NFL. His arm length measures in at 9 7/8 inches, another data point for evaluators to analyze. His ability to run within a pro run scheme also showed he is ready to compete at the next level, and his skillset has the potential to make him a valuable asset to an organization's running back room.

The Steelers' selection of Kaleb Johnson represents a calculated move. While the team has yet to comment officially, the move reflects a desire to add a powerful runner to their backfield. He is coming off of a breakout college football season with the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten. This pick, which was made on Friday in Green Bay, Wisconsin, provides a boost to a team that is looking to rebuild its offensive strategy.

The selection of Kaleb Johnson provides a glimpse of the future. With the right coaching and development, Kaleb Johnson has the potential to develop into a key component of the Steelers offense. He must now continue to work hard, refine his skills, and make the most of the opportunity he has been given. The Steelers have passed on other potential options, believing Kaleb Johnson is the right pick for the present and the future of the team.