When the Steelers declined Najee Harris’ fifth year option last May, it was clear that the team was ready to move on. Harris played the final season of his rookie contract with Pittsburgh in 2024.
Following the end of the season, the Steelers released Nagie Harris. In the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh selected RB Kaleb Johnson from Iowa using his third pick. Through the team’s OTA, Johnson quickly gives his name. He looked like part of the mainstay RB and could easily replace Harris’ role.
Kaleb Johnson is turning his head with Steelers Otas
Caleb Johnson. future. 💪💪#nfl #Steelers @hawkeyefootball @theioahawkeyes pic.twitter.com/lf4fvo2ng5
– Fox 53 (@fox53wpgh) May 27, 2025
He played three seasons for Iowa before Caleb Johnson was drafted by Pittsburgh. His 2024 campaign was the most productive year of his college career. Johnson started all 12 regular season games for the Hawkeyes. He carried the ball 240 with 1,537 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. His rushing yards and rushing touchdowns led the Big 10 in 2024. The 21-year-old was selected as an All-American in Iowa last season.
At 224 pounds per 6 feet, Kaleb Johnson has the physical frame of the NFL’s flagship RB. The Steelers have OTAs this week and next week. So far, Johnson has been turning his head. In the above clip, Steelers fans are thrilling what they see from Caleb Johnson. It’s still too early to tell if the Steelers were hit with this draft pick. But early signs show that Johnson is ready for life in the NFL.
Nick Farbaugh of Pennlive.com reported that Johnson’s work ethic is extremely high for newcomers. He is detail oriented and always asks questions. That’s what Johnson said he boasted of himself. Additionally, Farrabow said that members of the Steelers organization love Caleb Johnson’s work ethic. If he can continue to learn and adapt quickly, Johnson could become a rookie starter. Pittsburgh hopes to revamp its running game after breaking up with Najee Harris and drafting players like Kaleb Johnson.
