Analyzing Steelers 2025 Third-Round Pick Kaleb Johnson - Style and Substance

Kaleb Johnson's football journey began with an unexpected inspiration—a billboard.

During a road trip with his grandfather, Jeffery Strader, Johnson noticed a billboard featuring an image of a football player. Excited by the prospect, he immediately signaled to his grandfather and declared, “I want to do that.” However, Strader consistently emphasized the importance of academics, instilling in Johnson the principle that he could pursue football as long as he remained committed to his studies.

In his early football days, Johnson played as a defensive lineman, a position he thoroughly enjoyed due to its physical nature. Eventually, his grandfather introduced him to the fundamentals of playing as a running back—a transition that was initially frustrating but one Johnson would later master and successfully implement on the field.

Johnson's high school years took an unexpected turn following the passing of his grandmother, Charlene Strader, after a prolonged illness. In response, his grandfather temporarily withdrew him from sports to refocus his attention on academics. However, this hiatus was brief, as Johnson soon returned to athletics and flourished into a star athlete at Hamilton High School in Ohio. As a senior, he earned first-team All-State honors in football, while excelling academically as an AP Scholar and an Honor Roll student. Initially, he committed to the University of California but ultimately chose to follow running backs coach Ladell Betts to the University of Iowa.

During his freshman year at Iowa, Johnson set a school record, rushing for 779 yards—the highest single-season total by a freshman in Hawkeyes history. His remarkable performance earned him an honorable mention for Freshman All-America by College Football News and honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition from both coaches and media. With heightened expectations entering his sophomore year, Johnson's production declined due to injury, and he concluded the season with 463 rushing yards on 117 carries.

His junior year, however, marked a breakthrough. Johnson emerged as one of the nation’s premier running backs, recording eight games with over 100 rushing yards, including an impressive 206-yard performance in Week 4 against Minnesota. By season’s end, he accumulated 1,537 rushing yards on 240 carries, securing first-team All-America honors from multiple publications and earning the title of Big Ten Running Back of the Year for 2024.

Johnson was one of the most productive running backs of the 2024 college football season—and for good reason. His skill set, characterized by a combination of deceptive speed, finesse, and power, presented a formidable challenge for opposing defenses. In an era where many prioritize raw speed, Johnson’s abilities stand out due to his nuanced running style, demonstrating a mastery of intricate footwork and subtle movements that make him a truly unique talent.

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Elite-level Vision

One of Johnson’s most exceptional traits is his ability to identify openings, even when they appear nonexistent. Similar to former All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell, Johnson exhibits remarkable patience and a methodical approach, making him an ideal fit for Arthur Smith's wide zone offense.

During his tenure with the Hawkeyes, Johnson excelled in zone-running schemes, demonstrating a deep understanding of their intricacies. In this inside zone sequence against Indiana, note how Johnson initially reads the Hoosiers' defensive tackle before cutting inside once the Hawkeyes' center and left guard successfully seal him. Upon reaching the second level, Johnson then assesses the positioning of the Hoosiers' defensive back, who is closing in. Rather than rushing forward blindly, he patiently waits for his tight end and receiver to complete their blocks, allowing him just enough time to cut outside for a substantial gain.

What distinguishes Johnson from many other running backs are the subtle yet crucial nuances in his movements. He possesses an innate ability to create space through precision and anticipation, enabling him to execute his moves effectively while evading defenders. These fine details contribute to his uniqueness and make him a formidable talent at his position.

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Gaining Yards After Contact

If there is one characteristic that defines Johnson's playing style, it is his ability to generate yards after contact. To put this into perspective, last season, Johnson accumulated 1,060 yards after contact, accounting for more than 68% of his total rushing yards (1,537). At 224 pounds, he is built for physical play, particularly from the waist down, allowing him to withstand hits and maintain balance. His trademark skill on film is his exceptional contact balance, which enables him to absorb hits and transform them into substantial gains.

One of the most notable examples of this came during his run against Northwestern last season. In this sequence, Johnson takes the handoff up the middle, untouched. As he approaches the Wildcats' 10-yard line, he encounters two defenders—evading one and absorbing a hit from the other—before executing a spin move to break free. With open space ahead, he cuts outside and finds his way into the end zone. This play exemplifies the essence of his running style, showcasing his physical resilience, vision, and ability to capitalize on opportunities under pressure.

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Game-Speed: More Than Just a 40-Yard Dash

When analyzing Johnson’s running style, one should not be misled by his 40-yard dash time of 4.57 seconds. His game film consistently reveals a recurring theme—his ability to pull away from defenders, even in situations where he appears within reach.

It is essential to recognize that football is not played in a straight-line sprint over 40 yards. As a result, Johnson’s Combine speed does not fully reflect his in-game acceleration, agility, and ability to separate from defenders. His football speed—marked by his efficient stride, explosive burst, and ability to maintain momentum through contact—is what truly defines his effectiveness on the field.

In this example against Iowa, Johnson reaches a top speed of 21.2 mph after taking the outside gap and breaking toward the sideline. While his straight-line speed may not be considered elite, his ability to accelerate and sustain long-speed makes him exceptionally difficult for defenders to track down.

As previously noted, his 40-yard dash time does not fully encapsulate his true speed. Johnson’s game-speed is a product of his fluid movement, efficient acceleration, and ability to maintain momentum over extended distances, allowing him to consistently pull away from defenders in open field situations.

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Some may draw comparisons between him and former Steelers running back Najee Harris; however, they are fundamentally different players. Unlike Harris, Johnson possesses extensive experience in a zone running scheme, where he has demonstrated considerable productivity. What sets Johnson apart are the finer details of his game, which contribute to his potential success in the NFL. While he and Jaylen Warren will share carries this season, Johnson exhibits all the qualities necessary to eventually emerge as the team's primary running back.