Could The Steelers' New Offense Derail Running back Kaleb Johnson?
- Kelly Anozie
- 47 minutes ago
- 2 min read
When Kaleb Johnson entered the 2025 NFL Draft out of Iowa, one thing was clear: he was at his best in zone‑blocking schemes.
In 2024, 80% of his carries came on zone concepts, and he excelled, producing 1,537 rushing yards on 240 attempts with 21 touchdowns. Although that success didn’t fully translate during his rookie regular season with the Steelers, he did flash patience and vision in the preseason, particularly in how he identified and attacked cutback lanes.
Now, with Arthur Smith gone and new head coach Mike McCarthy installing a West Coast offense that relies far less on zone principles, the question becomes: how will this shift impact Johnson’s development?
Despite the shift in philosophy, Johnson’s path forward isn’t necessarily blocked.
McCarthy has historically leaned on gap concepts, but he has also shown a willingness to incorporate zone elements when the personnel demands it.
During his years in Green Bay and Dallas, his offenses mixed in mid‑zone and wide‑zone looks to maximize backs with Johnson‑like traits—runners who accelerate quickly once they identify leverage. If Johnson can demonstrate that same decisiveness and burst he flashed in the preseason, he may carve out a specialized role even within a gap‑heavy structure.
The bigger question is whether Johnson can adapt his game enough to thrive when the picture isn’t as clean.
Gap schemes require patience (which he has) behind double teams, the ability to manipulate linebackers, and comfort navigating tighter interior lanes. These were areas where Johnson was less consistent as a rookie, but not incapable.
With a full offseason in a new system and a clearer understanding of NFL speed, he has an opportunity to refine those skills. If he can blend his natural zone-running instincts with improved gap discipline, Johnson could position himself as a versatile option in a backfield that still lacks a true long-term feature back.